Kentucky basketball has another preseason concern to monitor as the Wildcats get closer to the start of the 2026-27 season.
Junior wing Trent Noah has reportedly re-aggravated the hamstring injury that bothered him earlier this summer, according to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim. The latest development adds another question mark to Kentucky’s preparations as Mark Pope works to get his roster ready for the upcoming campaign.
Noah initially tweaked his hamstring in July. At the time, Pope described the issue as “a nothing,” but the injury eventually kept the junior from participating in Kentucky’s final open practice of the summer.
The latest setback could keep Noah out during preseason workouts and potentially extend into Kentucky’s exhibition schedule. While the full timeline for his return remains something to monitor, the Wildcats now have to be cautious with one of their experienced wing options.
Noah’s availability matters because Kentucky is entering the season with a roster that has undergone significant changes. Pope will need his players to build chemistry, learn their roles and develop consistency before the games start counting.
The Wildcats have already dealt with several injury-related situations this offseason.
Kam Williams missed summer practices after undergoing a second procedure on the foot he injured last season. Pope has remained confident that Williams can be ready for the regular season.
Franck Kepnang was also limited during portions of summer workouts while Kentucky carefully managed his recovery from previous leg injuries.
Milan Momcilovic recently became another player on the injury list after suffering an issue with the index finger on his shooting hand. Initial fears of a fracture were eased by subsequent information indicating that it was a severe jam. Momcilovic is expected to return around the beginning of fall practice.
That leaves Noah’s situation as another storyline heading into the next stage of Kentucky’s preparation.
There is still plenty of time before the regular season, so the Wildcats are not facing an immediate crisis. However, Noah’s recurring hamstring issue is something Kentucky will want to handle carefully rather than risk turning a preseason setback into a longer-term problem.
For Pope, the priority will be getting Noah healthy while continuing to prepare the rest of the roster.
As fall practice approaches, BBN will be watching for the next update on Noah and whether he can return in time to participate fully before Kentucky’s season officially gets underway.
