Kentucky’s Trent Noah Emerges as Key Player Amid Injuries

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Trent Noah has rapidly ascended to a key role for the University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, showcasing his skills as injuries take a toll on the roster. After seeing limited action in the early months of the season, Noah is now capitalizing on his opportunity to contribute significantly on the court.

Despite playing just 20 minutes in November and 15 in December, Noah’s impact has grown, especially in crucial Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchups. He played a pivotal role in recent victories, including scoring a career-high 11 points against Tennessee, plus five points and five rebounds against South Carolina, and seven points and six rebounds at Texas.

Noah’s contributions are not limited to his on-court performance. His dedication during practice has earned him high praise from his teammates and coaches. Perry emphasized, “He’s been a guy that’s been consistent for us. Everybody on the team knew that whenever he got his shot, he was going to make the most of it. He has consistently done that.”

His earlier contributions as a scout team player played a crucial role in Kentucky’s upset win against Duke on November 12, despite not stepping onto the court during the game. As the Wildcats faced the Blue Devils, Noah provided invaluable practice insight, mimicking standout Duke freshman Kon Knueppel. “He couldn’t be guarded, hitting logo shots coming into the game,” Perry noted about Noah’s performance during practice.

Noah’s hard work has not gone unnoticed, as noted by Perry: “He plays hard, he’s consistently at the top of our rebounding board. Like, he plays hard — harder than probably anybody on the floor at all times.” His resilience and work ethic have become important assets to the Wildcats as they navigate a challenging SEC season.

The 2022-23 season has been a test of depth for Kentucky, and Noah’s emergence has provided a much-needed spark. With several teammates sidelined, his ability to step up has been crucial for the Wildcats as they look to climb back above .500 and secure their postseason positioning.

As Kentucky prepares to face Vanderbilt, Noah will be an integral part of the game plan. The Wildcats need a win to maintain momentum and protect their home court at Rupp Arena following the team’s recent set of challenges. Team discussions around game strategies have highlighted the importance of players like Noah, who have shown readiness to perform under pressure.