The Kentucky Wildcats wrapped up an impressive 2024-25 campaign with a 24-12 overall record, advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen under the guidance of first-year head coach Mark Pope. The postseason run marked a promising start to a new era in Lexington, with the Wildcats showcasing both offensive firepower and signs of defensive grit.
Kentucky’s tournament journey came to an end on March 28th in a tightly contested battle against the second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers—a bitter SEC rival. Despite the loss, reaching the Sweet Sixteen served as a strong foundation for the program’s future under Pope, who has quickly begun reshaping Kentucky basketball with a modern, fast-paced style.
One of the names looking to grow with the team is true freshman forward Trent Noah, a homegrown talent from Harlan, Kentucky. Noah saw action in 24 games this past season, averaging 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in just over 11 minutes per contest. While his role was modest, his flashes of potential were enough to spark optimism among fans and coaches alike.
On Friday, Noah took to social media to put any speculation to rest—he’s coming back. In a short but powerful video posted to Twitter, filled with season highlights, Noah confirmed his intention to return for his sophomore year. The caption read simply: “still chasing 9,” a nod to Kentucky’s pursuit of its ninth national championship.
Under Coach Pope, the Wildcats quickly embraced a new identity. Kentucky ended the season ranked 12th in the final Associated Press Poll and boasted a 10-8 record in what many now consider the toughest conference in college basketball—the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Offensively, the team was electric. The Wildcats averaged 85.6 points per game, ranking seventh nationally in scoring and setting a new program record for three-pointers made in a single season. Pope’s emphasis on spacing and perimeter shooting transformed Kentucky into one of the most dynamic teams in Division I.
Defensively, there was steady improvement throughout the season, with Kentucky limiting opponents to 76.8 points per game. While still a work in progress, the defense showed better discipline and cohesion in the second half of the year, a trend Pope is eager to build upon.
As the Wildcats look ahead to the 2025–26 season, expectations are rising even higher. The team has been aggressive on the recruiting trail and currently holds the No. 2 transfer portal class in the country, led by standout additions Kam Williams and Jaland Lowe. This added depth brings fierce competition for playing time, particularly in the backcourt and wing positions.
However, for Trent Noah, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With a full year of experience in Pope’s system and a deep understanding of the team’s culture, the rising sophomore could carve out a larger role. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive potential makes him a valuable two-way piece in a roster stacked with talent.
Perhaps more importantly, Noah’s return symbolizes something bigger for the program—a Kentucky native choosing to stay and fight for his place on a team with national title aspirations. His decision will resonate with fans across the Commonwealth who value not just talent, but loyalty and heart.
As Kentucky prepares for year two under Mark Pope, Trent Noah’s story could be one to watch. From local standout to potential key contributor on a title-contending team, the path is wide open—and the chase for banner No. 9 is very much alive.
