Kentucky’s Trent Noah Breaks Silence on Travis Perry’s Departure After One Season: “Wishing Him the Best, Still My Brother”

When Travis Perry announced he was leaving the University of Kentucky after just one season, the Bluegrass State buzzed with speculation, emotion, and questions. The in-state sensation, who broke Kentucky’s all-time high school scoring record and chose to stay home and play for the Wildcats, was expected to be a cornerstone for the program. But in a turbulent offseason filled with coaching changes, portal moves, and program reshaping, Perry’s departure was a bittersweet reminder that nothing in college basketball is permanent.

For fellow Kentucky freshman Trent Noah, Perry’s exit hit home. Both homegrown stars—Noah hailing from Harlan County and Perry from Lyon County—entered UK with a sense of pride and responsibility. They represented not just top basketball talent, but a deeper connection to Kentucky’s hoops heritage, communities, and legacy.

“It’s tough to see Travis go,” Noah said during an offseason media session. “We came in together, same class, similar journeys. We knew what it meant to put that Kentucky jersey on. We talked about it a lot.”

Perry’s decision to leave Lexington may have come as a shock to fans, but to his inner circle and teammates, it had been brewing for weeks. With the coaching change from John Calipari to Mark Pope, and a loaded incoming class of transfers and high-profile recruits, Perry’s future minutes became uncertain. He played sparingly during his freshman season, logging just under seven minutes per game and averaging 2.1 points, but his presence on the bench and in practice was noted by those inside the program.

“He worked harder than anybody,” Noah continued. “Whether he was playing or not, Travis was in the gym early, stayed late. He pushed all of us. That’s the kind of guy he is.”

The departure of Perry is one of several offseason shifts under Mark Pope, who has not shied away from retooling the roster with experienced talent. The incoming transfers have deep NCAA Tournament experience and are expected to contribute immediately, altering the roles of several returning players and even some of the freshmen who had committed before Pope’s hiring.

Still, Noah believes Perry’s decision wasn’t solely based on basketball.

“Sometimes people think it’s just about playing time or who’s coming in,” he said. “But there’s a lot more that goes into it. Fit, relationships, how you’re feeling off the court. Travis is someone who’s going to thrive wherever he goes because he’s got heart.”

The pair had grown close throughout the recruiting process, both drawn to Kentucky not just for basketball, but for the chance to represent their hometowns on the sport’s most passionate stage. The bond between them went beyond being teammates—it was rooted in shared experience.

“I remember the first time we met,” Noah recalled. “We were at a high school event, both wearing Kentucky stuff, and everybody kept saying, ‘These are the next two.’ We just laughed it off. But deep down, we knew the weight that came with that.”

Noah, who has made it clear he’s staying at Kentucky despite the changes, emphasized how important it is to support each other—especially in an era when the transfer portal, NIL deals, and coaching turnover are reshaping the college basketball experience.

“I told him, ‘Do what’s best for you,’” Noah said. “You’ve got a whole state watching and talking, but at the end of the day, it’s your life, your future. That’s what matters.”

He added that there’s no ill will between them, and that they still talk regularly. “He’s still my brother,” Noah said. “Always will be.”

For Kentucky fans, Perry’s departure stings because of what it represented: a local kid choosing to stay in-state, only to leave after one year. But in many ways, his story reflects a growing trend in college hoops. Players are more empowered than ever to make changes when needed, and the pressure to perform immediately can overshadow development.

“It’s a different game now,” Noah admitted. “The loyalty is still there, but you’ve got to take care of yourself. Travis did that.”

Mark Pope, for his part, has not publicly commented in detail about Perry’s transfer, but sources close to the program have indicated that Perry was transparent about his decision and left on good terms. The coaching staff wished him well and acknowledged the challenge of navigating such transitions amid a rapidly shifting roster landscape.

“Coach Pope’s been great about keeping communication open,” Noah said. “He wants the best for all of us. That includes Travis.”

As for Noah, he’s embracing the challenge of staying the course at Kentucky. A versatile wing with size and shooting ability, he’s hoping to earn a larger role in his sophomore season. He sees Perry’s departure not as a cautionary tale but as a motivator.

“Anytime someone close to you moves on, it kind of lights a fire,” he said. “You want to honor their effort, their story, and keep pushing.”

When asked what he thinks Perry’s next stop will be, Noah smiled and offered a prediction: “Wherever he ends up, they’re getting a winner. A real one. He’s going to make noise.”

Indeed, Perry has already drawn interest from several mid-major and high-major programs, with speculation swirling that he could return to a school closer to home where the fit might be more tailored to his style and development timeline. Some whispers even suggest a potential reunion with former AAU teammates or a chance to lead a mid-major as a focal point.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: his story is still unfolding. And for players like Trent Noah, it’s a reminder of both the fragility and opportunity in modern college basketball.

“People forget we’re still young,” Noah said. “We’re figuring things out. And while fans see us in games, there’s a whole life behind the scenes. Travis did what he had to do, and I respect that.”

Noah also expressed gratitude to the fans for their continued support, while urging them to respect Perry’s decision and legacy.

“Support him like you supported him when he put on that jersey,” Noah said. “Because he gave his all, even if it didn’t show in the box score.”

With the offseason well underway and Kentucky’s new-look roster beginning to take shape, Noah is focused on what’s next—improving his game, bonding with new teammates, and honoring the path he and Perry helped pave as proud sons of Kentucky.

“Me and Travis always said this—whether it’s one year, two years, or four, make it count,” Noah said. “And he did. Now it’s my turn to keep that going.”

As the Wildcats turn the page on another chapter, it’s voices like Trent Noah’s—measured, loyal, and mature—that offer fans a sense of continuity and hope. The journey of a college athlete is rarely linear, but it’s always meaningful. And for Noah, Perry’s exit isn’t the end of their story—it’s just the start of a new one, for both of them.