Trent Noah (Vicky Graff Photo)
Trent Noah had one of the best high school careers in Kentucky basketball history but got a bit overshadowed because Reed Sheppard was a year ahead of him and Travis Perry was in the same class. Those two had record-setting careers but Noah finished with 3,707 points — more than any 13th Region player except Sheppard.
He averaged 29.9 points per game during his senior season for Harlan County when he got his team to the state championship game. He had 48 points in a state tournament quarterfinal win and in four state games was 39 of 70 from the field and 19 of 34 from 3. He averaged 32.2 points per game in the state and had 39 rebounds to just barely miss averaging a double-double.
Noah was teammates with Perry at UK last season but Perry transferred to Ole Miss but the 6-foot-6 Noah opted to stay and Pope is glad he did.
“Doing it here is different than doing it anywhere else and being a Kentucky legend is different than being anything anywhere else,” Pope said. “You can’t buy what it means to come to the University of Kentucky and to grow into what you can become doing it here.
“You can’t replicate it for the next years of your life. Nothing can compare to it. I’m excited to watch Trent right now because I know how it’s going to turn out. I know how it’s gonna turn out in the next couple of years and I know how it’s going to turn out 30 years from now.”
Pope indicated after the season ended that he wanted Noah to put on 18 pounds before next season. However, Pope said it “would be impossible” for him to love Noah more than he already does.
“I know how this is going to turn out and I am so happy for him. There is some part of him that can see it, feel it and taste it,” Pope said.
9 Responses
Is it November yet? Can’t wait to see what this kid got and others as well.
Noah will have a better year, but will still see limited playing time. He is competing with Oweh, Johnson, Dioubate, and Williams at the 2 and 3 spots. Hopefully, he will not get recruited over in his junior year.
Noah is a real man. Loving the Cats enough to stick around and fight for his share of playing time. Knowing he won’t start, but willing to do what Pope asks to improve. He’s the type of guy that will eventually reap his reward. Hit that weight room son!
Noah is a real man. Loving the Cats enough to stick around and fight for his share of playing time. Knowing he won’t start, but willing to do what Pope asks to improve. He’s the type of guy that will eventually reap his reward. Hit that weight room son!
Adding 18 lbs will put him close ro the Charles Barkley size. Maybe that’s what the Pope envisions – a 240 lb enforcer that can shoot !?
18 pounds when your 6’6" is barely noticeable. I think he wants Noah to hit the weight room and hit it hard. 18 pounds of muscle will make him a force at the 3. He’s already a great a shooter that extra weight will make who’s ever guarding him get bumped back for easy baskets. He wants Noah to be chiseled. I still don’t see him playing more than 8-10 mpg this year. Which is exactly where I thought he would be his second year at Kentucky. Year 3 is when he will earn his minutes and be a regular in the rotation. Year 4 he will be a starter and maybe the most loved Kentucky player of all time. The fact that he is playing were he dreamed of playing is almost good enough playing a complete 4 years nowadays is something that never happens. The kids of today will remember Noah for the rest of there lives. I do think Noah is ahead of Perry and that’s why Perry left. The writing was on the wall. If you paid attention last year Noah was more college ready than Perry. He has more of a chance at making basketball his career instead or just being a college player. Perry will play at Ole Miss until he gets roasted during conference play. Whoever he guards is who the opposing team will get the ball to so they can easily drive around him. Noah will have the better basketball career.
I hope Noah is not left to ride the bench while transfers try to improve their chance to play ball overseas or the G-League if not NBA talent. Moreno is a future NBA player, not just a paid backup. But some of those who will get minutes ahead of Noah will only be trying to get points hoping for a future.
The Kentuckians are the key to the FF & beyond. That is the UK history. Noah, Moreno & Johnson will play FOR the BIG BLUE, but others will only be 100% TEAM 1st players for about 10 games. Last season, the phenomenal Assists and A:TO slipped away in the games UK lost. Those stats tell the story. The leading scorer with 9 to 2 assists while taking too many shots led UK to losses while getting headlines for scoring a lot, without the media pointing out their shoot instead of passing effort.
Those initial 5 to 7 games last season showcased a FF contender TEAM but it did not last. Those with UK in their heart play 100% TEAM 1st BALL, unlike those with UK only ON their jersey.
Those early games last season showcased the winning value of what Coach Pope & his staff drilled into players in the pre-season
Add Ootter to the Kentuckian list! I forgot about him.
We were wonderful last year; but I think we will be great this year. I am so sorry that Perry left his Kentucky home and I hope he does well at Ole Miss (except when he plays UK). I really like Trent and I think the only way for him is UP. I’m lovin’ all our guys and hope that THIS year will be #9. GO CATS!