Trent Noah reveals his relationship with former coach John Calipari… we never had a…

Kentucky basketball recently secured a significant win in its recruiting efforts for the 2024 class by persuading Trent Noah, a highly-regarded small forward from Harlan County, Kentucky, to sign with the Wildcats. Despite initially committing to South Carolina, Noah was granted a release and ultimately chose Kentucky under the guidance of new head coach Mark Pope.

Noah’s journey to Kentucky was atypical, as it unfolded following the departure of former head coach John Calipari to Arkansas in early April. Prior to this coaching transition, Noah had not been in contact with Calipari or any of the previous coaching staff. However, once the coaching change occurred, Kentucky’s recruitment of Noah began in earnest.

In a recent interview on BBN Tonight, Noah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the Wildcats, despite the unconventional path that led him there. Despite his status as the second-ranked prospect in Kentucky for the 2024 class, Noah had never engaged in discussions with the prior coaching staff. He reflected on the unexpected turn of events, emphasizing his appreciation for Kentucky’s interest and ultimately signing with the program.

Noah’s illustrious high school basketball career at Baxter (Ky.) Harlan County is a testament to his skill and dedication, culminating in an impressive 3,707 points, which ranks as the fifth-highest total in KHSAA history. As an all-state selection, he boasted remarkable averages of 29.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game during his senior year. His leadership propelled Harlan County to the KHSAA State Championship Game, although they were ultimately defeated by Lyon County.

In the 2024 recruiting class, Noah stands out as one of only two high school recruits to join Kentucky’s roster. He is joined by fellow in-state talent, four-star point guard Travis Perry from Eddyville (Ky.) Lyon County, who had committed to the Wildcats during Calipari’s tenure as head coach.

Reflecting on his commitment to Kentucky, Noah expressed profound gratitude, describing it as a dream come true. He fondly recalled attending basketball camps at the university as a child, idolizing the players and now realizing his own aspirations on the same court. For Noah, wearing the Kentucky jersey represents a source of immense pride and fulfillment, embodying the dreams of many young athletes in the state.

Despite his impressive accolades and offers from various prestigious programs, Noah ultimately chose Kentucky, solidifying his status as the No. 108 overall prospect and the 24th-ranked small forward nationally in the 2024 class. His decision underscores the significance of representing his home state on a collegiate level and embracing the rich basketball tradition associated with the University of Kentucky.

“Trent Noah is one of the elite shooters in this class,” Pope stated in a press release. “He possesses a rare combination of toughness and skill, with a special physicality that sets him apart. As a native of eastern Kentucky, Trent embodies the grit, toughness, and determination that define our state’s basketball culture. We eagerly anticipate the impact he will make as part of this talented group.”

Under Coach Pope’s leadership, Kentucky’s 2024 recruiting class boasts eight incoming transfers, signaling a strategic blend of experience and fresh talent. This approach has propelled the Wildcats to the fifth spot nationally in the transfer portal team rankings, highlighting their commitment to assembling a competitive roster capable of maintaining the program’s storied tradition of excellence.