Kentucky’s basketball team has faced its fair share of struggles this season, particularly when it comes to shooting the three-ball. As of late December, the Wildcats had failed to meet their pre-season goal of launching 32-35 three-pointers per game, instead averaging just 28 attempts. While they’ve maintained a respectable 36.7% from deep, Pope’s squad hasn’t shown the sharp, consistent long-range shooting that many had expected.
Earlier in the season, Mark Pope, clearly frustrated by the lack of three-point attempts, didn’t hold back when addressing the issue. “I’m frustrated that we’re not shooting more threes,” the head coach told Kentucky Today. He’s been vocal about wanting his team to play a more perimeter-oriented style, especially given their roster of capable shooters. It was clear that Kentucky’s offense needed a boost from the outside.
Then came their December loss to Ohio State, a wake-up call for the Wildcats. The defensive breakdowns and inability to execute in key moments underscored the team’s growing pains. Pope took responsibility for the loss, acknowledging that his adjustments didn’t work as planned. “It just eats at my heart. I’m like, man, we should be shooting the ball more. We’re working on that. We’re working on that and we’re going to get there,” Pope admitted, highlighting his role in the team’s defensive missteps.
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Despite this setback, the Wildcats bounced back in a big way against Brown, reigniting their confidence and demonstrating how much potential they truly have. It wasn’t just about the win—it was the emergence of a player who could offer exactly what Kentucky needed: a reliable shooting threat from beyond the arc.
That player? Trent Noah, a 3-star freshman who has been quietly impressing in his debut season. In Kentucky’s 88-54 rout of Brown, Noah’s performance stood out. With six points on 1-of-2 shooting from three, he showed that he doesn’t need any warm-up time to make an impact. And Mark Pope, ever the detail-oriented coach, was quick to recognize Noah’s contribution.
“Trent Noah, the thing I learned about Trent Noah, he’s just verified it again, is if we ever need a three, I just need to sub him into the game and let him shoot it, because he does not need any warm-up time, he’s just gonna come bang one or two,” Pope said after the game.
That’s a huge compliment from a coach who’s been struggling to find the right mix in his rotation. Noah’s instant impact from three-point range could be a turning point for a team that’s been looking for a consistent shooting threat. It’s clear that the young guard is already proving his worth and could become a game-changer for the Wildcats as they enter the heart of SEC play.
Although, Noah wasn’t the only one to shine against Brown.
Mark Pope & Co. finds momentum in win over Brown, but challenges remain ahead
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While the Wildcats’ first-half performance left a lot to be desired, they exploded after halftime. Key players like Collin Chandler, who’s been stepping up his defensive game, and Travis Perry, who chipped in four points and two rebounds in his 13 minutes, helped Kentucky build a commanding lead. Perry’s defensive efforts, along with the contributions from Lamont Butler and Oweh, further solidified the team’s success in securing the win.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. While this win over Brown was a big boost for Kentucky’s morale, the team still has plenty of work to do. Their shooting woes haven’t disappeared, and their defensive lapses from the Ohio State loss still need to be addressed. There’s no hiding that Kentucky has struggled in certain areas, particularly when it comes to consistency. But Mark Pope is committed to figuring out how to get the most out of his players, and this victory was a step in the right direction.
“Yeah, we’re putting different guys together, you know, just trying to, trying to figure out how they feel,” Pope noted. “We spent a lot of time in practice this week.”
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As SEC play looms, Kentucky will face tougher challenges, and they’ll need to rely on more than just a few good performances here and there. They’ll need to find a consistent rhythm, both on offense and defense, to compete at the highest level. With players like Noah, Chandler, and Perry starting to find their groove, there’s hope that Kentucky can build some momentum and prove themselves as true contenders in the SEC.
For now, the Wildcats can take solace in the fact that, despite their early-season struggles, they’ve got a weapon in Trent Noah who could change the game with just a couple of shots. And as Pope said, when it’s time to hit a three, Noah is ready to step up, no warm-up required.
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Can Trent Noah be Kentucky's savior from beyond the arc, or is it too soon to tell?
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Can Trent Noah be Kentucky's savior from beyond the arc, or is it too soon to tell?
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