Harlan County coach Kyle Jones believes Trent Noah and Travis Perry will fit together well at Kentucky. (Les Nicholson Photo)
Mark Pope will have Kentucky’s all-time leading high school scorer — Travis Perry of Lyon County — and fifth all-time leading scorer — Trent Noah of Harlan County — on his first UK roster. Perry signed with UK and then coach John Calipari in November but unlike UK’s other Calipari signees opted to stay with the Cats. Noah originally signed with South Carolina but got his release last week and signed with UK.
Harlan County coach Kyle Jones coached against Perry twice, including the state title game, and watched him play other times. He thinks Noah and Jones, two long-time friends, will fit together well at UK.
“Both are elite shooters and are very high IQ Basketball players who always make the right plays,” Jones said. “They will fit well into the system UK will be using.”
“Perry is a very humble kid and Trent is the same way. I think they will be perfect fits together. They will play with a lot of pride. There is just something about a Kentucky kid putting on that Kentucky jersey and knowing not only what it means to them but an entire state.”
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I think he will do fine here if he is patient. With the portal additions, I would be surprised if any on the freshmen see big minutes this year barring injuries. Of course, not many expected Reed to see the PT he logged last year, but he played his way onto the floor. That could happen again this year…who is going to have a breakout season?
I just hope BBN fans don’t tend to compare Perry with Sheppard and are
disappointed if they don’t see the same results. Sheppard had an amazing
Freshman season. Tough act to follow for Perry.
I might be wrong but I don’t think Travis Perry will disappoint anyone.
He’s constantly in motion and wears the defender down to get open.
I believe it will be unknown until after about 5 games who will earn the most minutes and starting roles. Even after that, there may be a starter replacement depending on production.
Talent, BB IQ (although I don’t really like that term), inner drive (who cherishes wearing UK on their jersey more than others), team player…
AND among the best FG% from 3 (and likewise inside) will all be evaluated as Coach Pope blends his starters and sub minutes, to determine the best combo of players.
I personally expect for Perry, Noah, Chandler – 3 freshmen – and Brea, to all see at least 12 to 15 minutes per game, if not a lot more, because of their elite 3-pt FG skills.
Of course, no one really knows..,
92.5 ppg is the sum of the transfer averages last season (I may not have the latest). Add the 3 outstanding freshmen shooters & UK will have at least 10 players who can contribute points to a balanced stat sheet and that gives coach Pope a lot of fresh legs for jump shot accuracy and intense D.
Exciting times for UK BB !!!
The good news is playing time will earned.
We found out last year that it’s not good to receive playing time no matter how you play.
Precisely a major difference between a real coach with integrity & another without.
I’m black but I fell what u r saying….
It’s nice to have a coach who knows that white kids can ball too!
Any kid can ball out regardless of skin color! Your just showing your age and backwards thinking! Catch up, it’s 2024!
Looks like most of the comments are positive. I also have a positive feeling about Pope and the team. Think it’s gonna be a good year.
I beleive coach should have a platoon type of offense, because this team is loaded with talent. Every player can contribute in a positive way!!
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