A year ago, Trent Noah was the forgotten freshman — buried on Kentucky’s depth chart, barely seeing the court, and learning the brutal reality of SEC basketball from the bench. Today, he’s something entirely different: a fan favorite, a locker room leader, and perhaps the unlikeliest x-factor in Kentucky’s push for banner No. 9.
As UK tipped off its summer practices this week, Noah met with local reporters and reflected on a whirlwind freshman year filled with frustration, breakthrough moments, and the painful departure of his close friend and former teammate, Travis Perry — who transferred to Ole Miss.
“That definitely stung,” Noah admitted. “We were roommates. We went through it all together. But I wish him nothing but the best.”
While Perry left to chase more playing time, Noah stayed put. Asked if he ever considered entering the transfer portal himself, he didn’t hesitate.
“No,” he said, flashing a confident grin. “This is the greatest place on Earth. I love Coach Pope’s vision for me. He sees what I see. And that’s winning number nine.”
Earned, Not Given
Noah knows he’s still far from guaranteed anything. Kentucky’s 2025-26 roster is loaded — six transfers, four freshmen, and a returning core that includes Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and himself. Many still see Noah as a fringe rotation piece, fighting for minutes behind more athletic or versatile players.
But if anyone can beat the odds, it might be him.
“Trent Noah is made different,” Coach Mark Pope said. “He’s a joy. And he’s coming back as a vet. That second year changes everything. Suddenly, you’re not the new guy. You’re the guy who knows the film sessions, knows the SEC grind, knows what BBN is like. It’s powerful.”
Noah averaged just 2.7 points in 24 games as a freshman but made several clutch plays in big games — including a huge 3-pointer in a win at Tennessee and a 3-for-4 shooting night against the Vols at Rupp Arena. When he hits shots, the crowd erupts. It’s not just noise — it’s energy. Momentum. Emotion. BBN magic.
Even teammate Koby Brea took notice: “When Trent hits a three, it’s just different. You feel it. The arena shifts.”
Bigger, Stronger, Smarter
To fully embrace his expanded role, Noah is transforming his body. Pope has challenged him to add 18 pounds of muscle this offseason — on top of his already-solid 220-pound frame.
Why?
Because the SEC is a battlefield, and if you want to survive as a 6-5 positional tweener, you better bring power and speed. Noah is embracing the challenge, focusing on strength, agility, and versatility.
“It’s about matching that SEC physicality,” he said. “Getting bigger and stronger should improve every part of my game.”
His shooting is already proven. Now Pope wants him to attack more off the dribble, become a better creator, and take the next leap on defense. That’s where the coach sees the most potential.
“He thinks I can be a really good steals guy,” Noah said. “He talks about defensive IQ versus physical ability. He believes I’ve got the IQ. Now I just have to put it all together.”
And he’s learning from the best. Oweh is a defensive savant, and Noah is picking up the art of anticipation — jumping passing lanes, taking smart risks, and seeing plays before they happen.
“I felt behind last year,” Noah admitted. “Now I know where to be. I can react instead of just survive.”
Becoming the New Jaxson Robinson
Last summer, Pope had only one player who knew his system — Jaxson Robinson — and he became the glue guy, guiding newcomers and setting the tone.
This summer? Noah is one of four returnees stepping into that leadership role.
“We’re the guys that know what Coach expects,” he said. “It’s kind of like we’ve got four Jaxsons now. It should make everything smoother.”
Smooth is good. But Kentucky fans are expecting special. Fortunately for them, Noah is already beloved across the Bluegrass. As a homegrown Harlan County kid who hit big shots on big stages, he’s tapped into a deep well of passion from the fanbase. And his coach believes the best is yet to come.
“You can’t replicate what it means to grow at Kentucky,” Pope said. “Trent gets it. He feels it. He lives it. And I know — not just hope — that it’s going to turn out incredible for him. Not just in the next two years, but 30, 40, 50 years down the road. That’s how this place works when you give it your heart.”
A Star in the Making?
Noah’s teammates believe it too.
“The expectations are high for Trent,” Chandler said. “He’s had months to improve, and he’s going to be a completely different player. Everyone in Kentucky knows what he’s capable of.”
That’s why the Rupp roars are louder when Noah scores. It’s not just about points — it’s about hope. He represents every small-town Kentucky kid with a dream, every fan who bleeds blue, and every underdog who fights their way onto the floor.
And this year, with a championship in sight, he just might be the piece that pulls it all together.
