Noah May Emerge as Kentucky’s Best Shooter Next Season as Mark Pope Prioritizes Perimeter Firepower and Offensive Efficiency in Backcourt
As the 2025 college basketball season draws closer, one narrative is quietly building momentum around the University of Kentucky basketball program: Noah is poised to be the Wildcats’ best shooter next season. With a roster full of athletes, defenders, slashers, and versatile scorers, it’s Noah’s ability to stretch the floor and convert from deep that may prove to be the most indispensable skill on the team. Under new head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky is entering a fresh era—one that puts a premium on perimeter shooting, offensive spacing, and intelligent shot selection. Within that framework, Noah’s role could grow from contributor to cornerstone.
Shooting has always been one of the most valuable commodities in college basketball, and in recent years, the Wildcats have occasionally struggled to keep up with the sharp-shooting programs that dominate the perimeter game. Under John Calipari, Kentucky relied heavily on length, athleticism, and isolation scoring, often at the expense of consistent outside shooting. Now, with Pope at the helm, the philosophy is changing. Spacing, ball movement, and three-point accuracy are becoming non-negotiables. That shift bodes well for a player like Noah, whose shooting ability is not only well-documented but tailor-made for the modern game.
Noah’s mechanics are clean and repeatable. He gets his shot off quickly, doesn’t need much room to operate, and is comfortable shooting off the catch or the dribble. But more than just being a specialist, he’s a smart player who understands when and where to pick his spots. His off-ball movement is purposeful, often dragging defenders out of position and opening up space for teammates to attack. And while he may not be the most explosive athlete on the roster, he more than compensates with basketball IQ and a feel for the game that translates on both ends of the court.
What separates Noah from typical college shooters is his range and confidence. He’s not afraid to pull from well beyond the arc, and his efficiency doesn’t suffer as the distance increases. That gravity—his ability to force defenses to extend farther than they’re comfortable—completely changes the geometry of the floor. Opponents can’t sag off him, which opens up driving lanes for Kentucky’s guards and gives bigs more room to operate in the paint. In many ways, Noah functions as a spacing weapon, even when he’s not directly involved in the play.
Pope recognized this immediately upon assembling his roster. While the staff brought in a host of new talent through both the transfer portal and recruiting trail, it was clear that they placed a special value on players who could knock down open shots. Pope’s offensive system is built to generate high-quality looks through motion, drive-and-kick actions, and unselfish play. But those opportunities only matter if someone can finish the play. That’s where Noah steps in—he’s the finisher on the perimeter, the guy Pope can trust to punish rotating defenses and capitalize on open looks.
In practices and scrimmages, Noah has consistently stood out as the most lethal shooter on the floor. Teammates have raved about his touch and consistency, and the coaching staff has frequently designed sets to free him up for clean looks from deep. While the team features multiple capable shooters, it’s Noah’s blend of volume, efficiency, and confidence that sets him apart. He’s not just a floor spacer—he’s a threat defenses must account for at all times.
There’s also an intangible factor at play. Shooting, at its core, is about rhythm and confidence. Noah brings both in abundance. He doesn’t second-guess himself. He doesn’t hesitate. That kind of mental clarity is rare, especially in high-pressure environments like Rupp Arena or a hostile SEC road game. But Noah thrives in those moments. Whether it’s a corner three in transition, a step-back with the shot clock winding down, or a crucial catch-and-shoot look late in a tight game, Noah plays with the confidence of a seasoned scorer.
Defensively, Noah is solid and improving. While his shooting is the calling card, he’s worked diligently to avoid being a one-dimensional player. He communicates well, understands rotations, and competes hard on every possession. Pope has made it clear that shooting alone won’t earn minutes—players must contribute on both ends. Noah has responded by showing increased physicality, better footwork, and a willingness to fight through screens. That commitment to defense, paired with his offensive value, puts him in strong position to earn significant playing time from the opening tip of the season.
From a roster perspective, Noah’s importance can’t be overstated. The Wildcats feature multiple guards who can drive and create, but none who stretch the floor quite like him. Having a dependable shooter who can keep defenses honest is essential to maximizing the roster’s overall talent. Noah gives Pope the ability to play small-ball lineups, to run five-out offensive sets, and to keep the court open for creative offensive actions. He’s a tactical asset, and Pope is expected to use him accordingly.
Perhaps what makes Noah’s rise even more compelling is the journey he’s taken to get here. He’s not the most heralded name on the roster. He didn’t arrive with the fanfare of a five-star recruit or the spotlight of a high-profile transfer. But he’s earned everything through hard work, resilience, and trust in his craft. Teammates respect him for it. Coaches believe in him because of it. And fans are beginning to take notice.
Noah’s story is one that resonates in a program like Kentucky’s—a place where stars are born, but where role players and specialists are often the difference between a good team and a great one. Every championship-caliber team needs a shooter who can get hot, change the momentum of a game, and keep defenses honest. For the Wildcats, that player may very well be Noah.
The impact of Noah’s shooting goes beyond the box score. His presence forces teams to make decisions. Do they stay glued to him and risk giving up drives and post entries? Or do they collapse on the ball and hope he misses from the outside? Either way, his ability to hit from range adds a layer of complexity to Kentucky’s offense that didn’t exist in recent seasons. In tight games against elite competition, that threat could be the difference.
It’s also worth noting that Pope has a track record of maximizing shooters. At BYU, his teams consistently ranked near the top in three-point shooting percentage and attempts. He values shooters not as complementary players, but as central pillars of his offensive scheme. Noah is stepping into that role at exactly the right time. With the right usage and continued development, he could lead not just the Wildcats in three-point shooting—but the SEC as a whole.
Looking ahead, Noah’s role is likely to expand as the season progresses. His minutes may fluctuate early as Pope experiments with lineups, but his shooting will keep him on the floor. He’ll be used in spot-up situations, as a trailer in transition, and even in two-man actions to take advantage of mismatches. The goal is clear: get him shots and let him do what he does best.
The potential for breakout performances is real. With Kentucky’s high-profile schedule—including marquee matchups, SEC rivalry games, and a possible deep tournament run—Noah will have multiple chances to introduce himself to the national spotlight. A 6-for-8 night from three against a top-10 opponent, or a clutch go-ahead three in a conference tournament game, would turn him from a local standout to a household name overnight.
In a season filled with transition, new faces, and uncertainty, it’s Noah’s consistency that could become the team’s steadying force. When other parts of the offense aren’t clicking, when defensive pressure increases, or when tempo slows, having a shooter like Noah can be the ultimate pressure release valve. He’s the player you trust when you need a basket. He’s the player you count on to deliver when space is tight and the moment is big.
In many ways, Noah represents the direction Kentucky basketball is heading under Mark Pope: a blend of modern offense, unselfish play, and smart roster building. Shooting, once an occasional feature, is now a necessity. And in Noah, the Wildcats may have found their most reliable marksman.
As the season approaches, the question isn’t whether Noah can shoot—it’s how high his ceiling can go. If he continues to hit at a high clip, defend with intensity, and lead by example, he won’t just be Kentucky’s best shooter. He’ll be one of the most important players on the team—and a symbol of everything Pope wants this new era of Wildcat basketball to be.
