Mark Pope, the head coach of the Brigham Young University (BYU) men’s basketball team, has always had an eye for talent, and his excitement about the trajectory of sophomore guard Trent Noah heading into Year 2 is palpable. After a strong freshman season, many observers, fans, and analysts believe Noah’s potential is sky-high. Pope, no stranger to developing talent, has seen first-hand the progress Trent has made and is eager to help him take his game to the next level.
Noah’s journey to BYU was one marked by impressive performances at the high school level, where he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most promising players in his class. His skills, versatility, and basketball IQ stood out immediately. However, the transition to the college game, particularly at a program like BYU with its rich history and expectations, was never going to be easy. Nonetheless, Noah handled the transition with maturity beyond his years.
Pope’s coaching philosophy centers around developing well-rounded players who are strong on both sides of the ball—offense and defense. Under his guidance, Trent Noah has steadily grown into one of the program’s key players. The excitement Pope feels heading into Year 2 stems not just from Noah’s physical tools but also from the mental growth he has experienced over his freshman year.
Freshman Season Review: Building a Foundation
Trent Noah’s freshman season at BYU was a solid, though not perfect, introduction to college basketball. He showed flashes of brilliance, and while he may not have been the team’s primary offensive option, his potential as a two-way player stood out. In his first year, Noah averaged a respectable number of points, rebounds, and assists, with his shooting numbers gradually improving as the season went on.
Noah’s defense, an area that Pope places great emphasis on, was one of his standout attributes in his first year. The freshman showed an impressive ability to guard multiple positions, using his athleticism, length, and lateral quickness to disrupt opposing offenses. His defensive awareness allowed him to contribute in key moments, especially when the team needed a stop late in games.
However, it was his growth as a shooter that had many excited for Year 2. His shooting mechanics were solid, but there were areas to improve—particularly in his consistency. Coach Pope worked closely with Trent to fine-tune his form, and the results were noticeable. As the season progressed, Trent became more confident in his shot, whether it was from beyond the arc or mid-range. By the end of the season, he was showing the promise of a reliable shooter, one who could contribute offensively without the need to dominate the ball.
Despite these bright spots, Noah’s freshman year was still a learning experience. As is the case with many young players, there were moments of inconsistency, especially when it came to decision-making in high-pressure situations. As a freshman, there were times when Trent would force shots or take risks that didn’t always pay off. But these were the kinds of learning experiences Pope knew would fuel his development.
From a leadership standpoint, Trent’s maturity was already evident. He was not the vocal leader of the team, but he displayed leadership through his work ethic, commitment to improvement, and his understanding of the game. Pope often praised Noah’s basketball IQ, highlighting his ability to learn from mistakes and his coachable nature. Pope understood that it was going to take time, but he was confident that Trent had the right mindset to succeed.
The Leap to Year 2: High Expectations and Growth
As Trent Noah heads into his sophomore season, Mark Pope sees a player ready to take the next step. The coaching staff has worked tirelessly with Noah over the offseason, focusing on his physical development, mental toughness, and ability to contribute more consistently. For Pope, Year 2 is often a significant leap for many players, and Noah has all the ingredients to make that leap.
One of the key areas Pope is most excited about is Noah’s improved physicality. Having spent a year in the BYU weight room, Trent has added muscle and strength, making him a more formidable presence on both ends of the floor. The college game requires players to be more physically ready, especially in the rugged West Coast Conference (WCC), where competition is fierce, and games are often tightly contested. Noah’s added muscle gives him an edge in terms of finishing through contact at the rim and defending more effectively against stronger players.
The physical improvements are complemented by the mental and strategic progress Noah has made. Coach Pope has stressed the importance of understanding the flow of the game, reading opposing defenses, and being in the right spots at the right time. Trent has shown significant improvement in his basketball IQ, and Pope believes this will allow him to make quicker decisions on both ends of the floor. His ability to read defenses and adjust his game based on what is happening around him is an area where Noah has the potential to shine in Year 2.
Another critical component of Noah’s development has been his ability to contribute in more diverse ways. While his primary role last season may have been as a secondary scorer and a solid defender, the sophomore version of Trent Noah will be expected to take on a larger, more well-rounded role. Pope envisions him as a more dynamic player on the offensive end, capable of creating his own shot or setting up teammates when necessary.
The growth in Noah’s ball-handling and passing has been a point of emphasis in the offseason. Pope knows that for BYU to reach its full potential, players like Noah must be able to create offensive opportunities not just for themselves but also for others. With better decision-making and the ability to make crisp passes, Noah’s assist numbers should improve. He has shown flashes of an ability to break down defenders off the dribble, and with increased confidence, it’s expected that he will be more effective as a playmaker.
On the defensive end, Trent Noah’s versatility will be key. While he showed flashes of being a lockdown defender in his first year, Pope believes that Noah has the potential to become one of the top defenders in the WCC by his sophomore year. His lateral quickness and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable asset in BYU’s defensive schemes. Coach Pope has also emphasized the importance of consistency on defense, and with a more mature Noah, it’s expected that he will be more reliable in containing opposing players.
The Leadership Role
As Trent Noah enters Year 2, his role as a leader will only increase. With a year of college basketball experience under his belt, Trent is expected to be more vocal and confident on and off the court. Pope has always stressed the importance of leadership, and Trent’s journey over the last year has positioned him to take on more responsibility in this area.
Noah is not the type of player who will necessarily demand attention through boisterous speeches or fiery outbursts. Instead, his leadership comes from his work ethic, his commitment to the team’s success, and his ability to lead by example. As a sophomore, he will be expected to help guide the team, especially the incoming freshmen, and set a tone for the team’s culture.
The mental side of the game will be a critical component in Noah’s leadership development. As he grows more comfortable in his role and more confident in his abilities, Trent will have the opportunity to step into key moments in games, making clutch plays when needed. His ability to remain calm under pressure and make smart decisions in critical situations will go a long way in determining BYU’s success in Year 2.
The Bigger Picture: BYU’s Future and Pope’s Vision
Mark Pope has always had a long-term vision for BYU basketball, and Trent Noah fits perfectly into that vision. While there’s a strong emphasis on the present and helping Noah become the best player he can be in the immediate term, Pope is also looking ahead. He sees Noah as a foundational piece of the program’s future, one that can help elevate BYU basketball to new heights in the WCC and beyond.
The excitement around Noah is not just about his individual development but also about how his growth aligns with the future success of BYU basketball. With Pope at the helm, the team is striving for consistency and success on a national level. Having a player like Trent Noah, who has the potential to be an all-conference caliber player, adds a significant layer to the team’s prospects.
As BYU continues to compete in the WCC, the program is looking to build upon its rich history and reputation. Trent Noah is one of the players who could help carry BYU to future championships and NCAA tournament appearances. With a coaching staff like Pope’s, which is committed to developing players both on and off the court, Noah’s potential is limitless.
A Bright Future Ahead
Mark Pope is rightfully excited about the trajectory of Trent Noah as he heads into Year 2. The sophomore is poised to take his game to new heights, building upon a solid freshman season and capitalizing on the lessons learned throughout the year. With improvements in his physicality, basketball IQ, and leadership, Trent is well-positioned to become one of the most important players on the BYU roster in the coming years.
Coach Pope’s belief in Noah is evident, and with continued development, Trent Noah has the potential to become a key figure in BYU basketball’s quest for excellence. Year 2 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for Noah, and for BYU, the future looks incredibly bright with him at the forefront of the program’s evolution.
