Summer practice is supposed to be about bonding, development, and early flashes of potential — but for Trent Noah, it’s been anything but smooth.
Multiple team insiders have confirmed that Noah is noticeably lagging behind the rest of the roster — struggling to keep up with the pace, intensity, and demands of Mark Pope’s new system.
> “It’s been rough,” one source close to the team said. “You can see the frustration building in him — and in the staff too.”
While coaches haven’t called out any players publicly, those close to the program say Noah, a freshman known for his scoring touch and toughness, has been adjusting slowly to the speed and physicality of the college level.
A System That Doesn’t Wait
Pope’s up-tempo, read-and-react offense requires smart, quick decisions — and his defense is just as demanding. It’s not enough to be athletic; you have to be locked in mentally on every possession.
Players like Jayden Quaintance and Collin Chandler are reportedly thriving under the pressure, with Otega Oweh setting the tone on both ends of the floor. But for Trent Noah, it’s been a different story — he’s been a step behind, and in Pope’s system, that’s a big problem.
> “The margin for error is small,” said an assistant. “We need guys who can process quickly and execute.”
Body Language Concerns?
One red flag that has caught attention among observers: body language. Sources say Noah has shown visible signs of frustration — shrugging after missed rotations, avoiding eye contact during breakdowns, and staying quiet in huddles.
It’s not about effort — it’s about confidence. And right now, it looks like that confidence has taken a hit.
Can He Turn It Around?
The good news? There’s still plenty of time. Summer practice is meant to expose weaknesses so they can be fixed before November.
Veteran leaders like Mo Dioubate and Otega Oweh are reportedly pulling guys aside, encouraging Noah to stay locked in, shake off the early mistakes, and keep pushing.
> “Every team has one or two guys who take a little longer to find their groove,” said one source. “The question is — will he respond?”
BBN’s Watching Closely
As Kentucky fans continue to hunger for dominance, any sign of vulnerability becomes magnified. One underwhelming practice report turns into a wave of speculation.
But this is also where stars are forged. The struggle might be real — but so is the opportunity.
