Travis Perry, left, had fun with UK teammates after a postseason win. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Travis Perry’s late decision to enter the transfer portal after just one season at Kentucky was probably the biggest UK sports topic of conversation Thursday.
Why did he decide to do this? Was he forced out? Where will he go? Will Kentucky add another player?
Those were just some of the questions being floated around that I heard or saw.
“Lived out every KY fan’s dream… kid will be great wherever he lands and UK was better for him being there,” UK fan Chris Hicks posted on X.
Long-time sportscaster Kenny Rice, who has worked five Olympics for NBC, had one of the best social media posts that I saw.
“Simple choice, hard decision 1) Stay, have limited time, parlay it into job opportunities in Lexington/Kentucky area 2) Leave, find the right fit and have a nice playing career while getting a degree which can open doors in that area. I think TravisPerry has chosen wisely,” Rice posted on X.
Perry, Kentucky’s all-time leading high school scorer and Kentucky’s 2024 Mr. Basketball, averaged 2.7 points and 9.7 minutes per game last season in 31 games. He started four games and helped hold the team together at times when injuries took a huge toll on the Cats.
Maybe he wasn’t ready to be a full-time SEC point guard but no one could question his effort or desire to help UK win. Even when some UK fans blistered him on social media over his defense and athleticism, he didn’t let the noise bother him.
However, Perry had to have looked at the 2025-26 roster and figured barring injuries, he likely would not play as much next year as he did his first season. Perry is a competitor and while he’s rumored to be making a nice amount of money at Kentucky, he wants to play.
He had plenty of other options coming out of high school and Mississippi coach Chris Beard made a big bid to sign Perry before he signed with Kentucky.
During the NCAA Tournament, Beard was asked about Perry and had a lot to say.
“I love Travis. He’s one of those guys that’s addicted to basketball; loves it. Basketball guy. So I enjoyed recruiting him, getting a relationship with his family. In recruiting you don’t get so many more guys than you do get,” Beard said during the tourney. “But I was really happy for him that he found a great fit and played a great role as a freshman for Coach Pope’s team. And he’s a guy I always cheer for, have nothing but respect for. That dude’s a baller, man. He loves basketball.”
Perry visited Ole Miss several times in high school and surprised me when he said the drive to Oxford, Miss., from Lyon County was not a lot longer than the drive to Lexington. So keep an eye on Ole Miss.
Western Kentucky seemed a natural fit coming out of high school in many ways. Perry would likely get extensive playing time and it is not that far from Lyon County.
Cincinnati was another possibility before Perry signed with Kentucky but Kerr Kriisa, a backup point guard at UK last season, has already transferred to Cincinnati.
Perry’s late entry into the transfer portal likely hurts because a lot of teams have already filled needs and don’t have a lot of roster spots left. But in today’s college athletics world, anything seems possible and Perry’s reputation as an elite shooter certainly will be attractive to a lot of schools even now.
8 Responses
There is talk about him going to Ole Miss, but if he couldn’t play defense here, he will most likely struggle there as well unless Beard can coach him up. I hope he lands in a good spot where he can play more and have fun.
I wish Perry the best and would have liked to seen him stay at UK, but I understand his decision.
I think Perry would do much better if he goes somewhere that they us a lot of zone defense.
Who knows, he may end up coming back to UK one day.
I agree about the zone defense. Even a Iowa or Wisconsin makes sense?
He was set to make about 250,000$ at Kentucky. Its definitely not about money to this kid. He just wants to play the game he has played his whole life. I think Ole Miss would be a mistake on his part. Unless Chris Beard has offered him playing time? Which could be the case?! He wanted Perry coming out of high school and Perry is definitely better now then he was then so who knows? I just hope he decides to go somewhere where he gets at least 20 minutes per game next year. I would love to see Creighton offer him they have one of the best coaches in college basketball. He would also be a great fit at Northwestern. I dont like the Cincinnati rumors. Purdue could also be a nice landing spot. If he goes to any power 5 school he likely won’t see the court that much. It almost makes sense to go to a smaller school for his sophomore year and get as much playing time as he wants while riding that to a bigger school and payday for his junior and senior year. He could always come back to Kentucky for his junior or senior year because we will be losing aberdeen and Oweh off of this roster plus whoever jumps in the portal? Who knows but I’d like him to end up where he started with alot more playing time. I doubt he ever plays in the NBA. He could have a solid career overseas if he chooses to do that?
Word on the street is Louisville and Arkansas are making a big push to land Perry the need a shooter to come off the bench with Ole Miss and Western Kentucky also in the mix to go along with just about every SEC school. Everyone knows he will get better every year. Tennessee and Indiana are also in the mix. Vanderbilt is also making a big push to get him. I think he would fit in more at a Vanderbilt then anywhere else in the confrence. Vanderbilt would actually draw up plays for him to shoot 3s. He should go to a school where he will fit into the offensive equation. Pat Kelsey would love to have him, but I don’t see Home choosing Louisville because they got 3 great guards in the portal and one is returning so he wouldn’t get to much playing time at Louisville. No way he goes to Arkansas and sits the bench for Cal who isn’t a great coach If your a shooter. Ole Miss or Vanderbilt he could carve out a role. Tennessee would be a bad choice as well. If he was going to play in the SEC he should have stayed at Kentucky. He is a smart kid he will make a good decision wherever he decides to go.
Nice post, Terry. I’m nearly finished looking at any UK sites, but will glance to see if any articles are about Perry or Noah, or one of the UK legends.
You’re exactly right about some coaches drawing up plays to get Perry shots from the 3. Apparently there are not many coaches who really know how to set plays to utilize shooters. I’m am very disappointed in Pope NEVER setting up even JUST ONE PLAY to get a real screen for Perry. Pitino knew how to use Richie Farmer & Travis Ford to get the most out of their shooting skills. I remember the year Ford transferred from Missouri to UK. In the fall, Pitino arranged for UK to scrimmage at various towns in KY. It may have been a first during Pitino days. I was able to go and it was exciting to see Pitino tell everyone that 2 guys would shoot FT’s to see who got to take the ball out first – and he did they may not miss! It was Farmer & Ford. I don’t recall, but think that neither missed. Of course, they got PT at UK because the coach knew more about BB than just about any dozen coaches collected together. Pitino adapted the game to the player instead of trying to force players into uncomfortable roles.
Perry has 1 or 2 steals in most of his 5 to 8 minute games, and it was tied for the lead many times.
My time is much better spent with an extra evening with my wife &/or GRANDchildren than wasting my time watching some big body wear UK on their jersey for 6 months, after already wearing others prior to UK.
I’ve enjoyed your posts & usually agree with all or at least 90% of your opinions on issues under discussion.
The Lord Jesus bless you with much joy, peace & keep you safe.
Thanks bro. The days of guys staying and them becoming basically apart of your family for 4 years is over. I would like to see the stats for what percent of players actually stay at the college they committed to for 4 years. I bet it’s less than 5%. Just 5 years ago that same number was probably at close to 50%. If you go back even 7 years it’s probably 80-90%. I’m not totally against Nil but the transfer rule needs to change. I think you should only be able to transfer one time so you don’t have so many kids playing for 3-4 teams in 4 years. I think one transfer unless there is a coaching change then you can transfer twice. Its ridiculous having to rerecruit the same players every year. If someone doesn’t have a lead role they also jump ships. Aberdeen to me is a prime example of what’s wrong with college basketball. A Florida kid who was raised in Orlando and every year he improved a little more. He should have been a starter for Florida coming off a national championship. So I guess his dream came true to win a championship. Now he moves onto the next chapter playing for a SEC rival against a team he has given everything for?? I just don’t understand it? Besides money which always Trump’s everything. But damn where is the loyalty? Loyalty is truly dead. The coaches are no better than the players. You seen Stoops was gone if Texas A&M would have actually gave him a chance. I just don’t like the landscape sports is in right now. No Loyalty everyone is for themself.
Loyalty is a key word to describe the need to return College BB to a more enjoyable game. Too many names to keep up with.
The real head scratcher is the one you pointed out. Sub for the National Champs, perfectly positioned to start for the defending National Champ… and he enters the run away transfer train. Money. More money. Greedy is the only way to describe the TN QB was being paid while still in HS. There is no commitment even with contracts. A pro gets a $30 Million/year contract for 5 years and then wants to revise it after a year or 2. Greed.
Take care & apology if I got oversensitive about Perry!