When Kentucky wrapped up their final summer practice, one name kept coming up in conversations between players, coaches, and even the trainers — Trent Noah.
The sophomore forward didn’t just show up this offseason — he leveled up. Known last year for his steady shooting and reliable energy off the bench, Noah has transformed into a player who looks ready to carry stretches of games by himself. His shooting form is tighter, his footwork is sharper, and he’s added a first step that defenders have struggled to keep up with in practice scrimmages.
Head coach Mark Pope hinted that Noah’s work ethic has been unmatched this summer:
> “He’s the first one in the gym, last one to leave. You can see the difference — the confidence, the polish, and the toughness. He’s making plays we didn’t see last season.”
Teammates have noticed too. Otega Oweh called him “a bucket waiting to happen,” while Jayden Quaintance joked that Noah “doesn’t miss when he’s feeling it.” And he’s been feeling it a lot lately.
Part of Noah’s leap comes from a noticeable boost in physicality. The weight room work is paying off — he’s battling for rebounds like a power forward but still moving like a guard. That versatility has opened up new possibilities for Kentucky’s rotations, giving Pope more lineup flexibility for the upcoming season.
For Big Blue Nation, it’s hard not to get excited. Noah’s improvement adds another weapon to a roster already loaded with talent like Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Denzel Aberdeen.
If this version of Trent Noah shows up in the regular season, Kentucky won’t just be dangerous — they’ll be a nightmare for any team that underestimates them.
