A second high school basketball standout has chosen to join Mark Pope’s inaugural UK basketball team. On Wednesday, Trent Noah, a former standout from Harlan County who had previously committed to South Carolina, announced his commitment to Pope and the Wildcats. Noah, a 6-foot-6 guard hailing from Harlan County, initially committed to South Carolina in early October and signed with the Gamecocks during last fall’s signing period. However, he reversed his decision on May 7, stating in a social media post his intention to explore basketball opportunities closer to home. Subsequently, he decided to join Pope’s new-look Kentucky squad in Lexington.
Pope praised Noah’s skills in a UK news release, highlighting his elite shooting abilities and tough, hard-nosed playing style. As an eastern Kentucky native, Noah is expected to bring a sense of grit, toughness, and determination to the program, reflecting the state’s basketball ethos. Noah joins Travis Perry, the former in-state star at Lyon County High School and the all-time leading scorer in Kentucky high school boys basketball history, and Collin Chandler, who deferred his college entry to serve a two-year mission trip, as the third first-year player for the Wildcats next season. Perry and Noah rank as the top two prospects in Kentucky in the 2024 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.
Noah’s high school career is distinguished, with his 3,707 career points unofficially ranking as the fifth-most all-time in Kentucky. As a senior in 2023-24, Noah led Harlan County to win the 13th Region and advance to the Sweet 16 championship game at Rupp Arena, where they faced Lyon County led by Perry. Noah had an outstanding performance during the Sweet 16 tournament, setting records for points scored and 3-pointers made. His scoring prowess and contribution to Harlan County’s success garnered widespread acclaim, with Campbell County coach Brent Sowder dubbing him a Sweet 16 legend.
Noah’s decision to join Kentucky also holds personal significance, as his grandfather, Charles “Perky” Bryant, once played football for the Wildcats from 1961-63. With his impressive talent and familial ties to the program, Noah is expected to make a significant impact under Coach Pope’s guidance in Lexington.
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