Kentucky basketball (and collegiate basketball in general) has been in turmoil in the previous month, with coach John Calipari’s surprising departure to Arkansas and the controversial following hire of BYU coach Mark Pope to replace him. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have experienced disruptions to their transfer portal. And now for some good news. Probably.
In October, Trent Noah, Kentucky’s best prospect, signed a National Letter of Intent to play for South Carolina. But SC has released him from his NLI, and he is back in the recruitment market.
And he fueled speculation that he may join Pope and Kentucky basketball by stating that he hoped to find work in the Bluegrass State again.
Noah tweeted on Monday: “After much thought, prayer, and extensive conversation with my family, I requested and was granted a release from my National Letter of Intent with the University of South Carolina.” I will reopen my recruitment to pursue basketball opportunities closer to home. “Please respect my decision.”
Trent Noah Ranks 5th on State Scoring Chart
Noah was a four-star prospect at 24/7 Sports, ranked 105th nationally and 25th among all small forwards, coming out of Harlan County High. Calipari never actively recruited Noah, who chose South Carolina over Dayton, Butler, Western Kentucky, Stanford, and Richmond, according to KSR.
He concluded his school career with 3,707 points and averaged 29.9 points per game as a senior, helping Harlan County to a state runner-up finish. He finished his high school career with the fifth-highest point total in state history.
Noah could end up joining the state’s all-time leading scorer, Travis Perry, who committed to the Wildcats while Calipari was there but will continue to play for Pope.
Following Noah’s announcement, the Lexington Herald-Leader ran the title, “Kentucky high school basketball star backs out of SEC commitment.” “Will he play for Mark Pope?”
Kentucky Basketball Bouncing Back With Mark Pope
The probable arrival of Noah is a lift for Pope and the Kentucky basketball team, which has been rocked by predicted departures in the aftermath of the Calipari ruling.
Last month, the UK lost Adou Thiero, Aaron Bradshaw, Joey Hart, and Zvonimir Ivisic via the transfer site. But Pope hasn’t gone quietly, assembling one of the strongest transfer groups in the country, which includes Lamont Butler, Otega Oweh, Andrew Carr, and Koby Brea.
Noah would be another good addition.
Noah’s scouting report for 24/7 reads: “Trent Noah is a strong-bodied wing and an outstanding basketball shooter. His game is centered around the three-point line. He’s not only one of the best in the class at making spot-up shots, which act as a floor-spacer, but he can also shoot while moving.
“He’s a dynamic offensive player and excellent passer who understands how to play within an offensive scheme. Noah’s build is robust and somewhat broad, allowing him to defend some larger players. He is also an effective wing rebounder. He has to improve his defensive speed and ability to generate his own attack.”
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