Like most kids in Kentucky, Trent Noah grew up wanting to be a Wildcat. In high school, Noah moved on from that dream and committed to play for South Carolina, but when John Calipari left for Arkansas and Mark Pope took over as Kentucky’s head coach, it came roaring back. The Harlan County star took a leap of faith and asked to be released from his National Letter of Intent to the Gamecocks. Once it was granted, he got a call from Pope, who offered him a scholarship, which Noah quickly accepted.

So, after that long and winding road to Lexington, it’s understandable that Noah might need a minute to process the dream becoming a reality. Mark Pope said as much on this morning’s Kentucky Sports Radio.

“Trent Noah, guys — Trent’s going to be mad that I said this but the first, like five weeks of summer, he couldn’t make a shot. Could not make a shot. I think his head was spinning. Everything was going so fast. He had the exact consummate rookie experience moving into this jersey and this joint.

“But it’s been incredible to watch him start to be like, ‘No, I belong here. This is where I’m supposed to be, and I’m good at this.’ And now I feel like this kid can’t miss the shot.”

Noah averaged 29.9 points per game as a senior at Harlan County, shooting 56% from the field and 43% from the three-point line. He totaled 3,707 points in his high school career, which ranks fifth on Kentucky’s all-time scoring list. The guy who ranks No. 1, Travis Perry, will play alongside Noah in blue and white. Just two Kentucky kids, living out their dreams, a journey Pope said he’s tickled pink to witness.

“Listen, I’m talking about our Kentucky guys right now. Travis Perry and Trent Noah, they have been awesome. I’m so proud of those two kids. They’ve grown so much. They kind of came in here just excited, eager, hungry.”

As a 6’5″ 220 lbs. wing who can score from anywhere on the floor, Noah should thrive in Pope’s system. On a team loaded with experienced scorers, it will likely take him some time to carve out his role; however, when the time comes, Noah will be ready. It’s not a coincidence that he chose No. 9 as his jersey number.

“Growing up a Kentucky fan, I obviously know how big of a deal it is to wear the Kentucky jersey and we’re at the University of Kentucky. Pressure is a privilege,” Noah said earlier this summer. “It’s amazing to be here, super grateful to be here. That’s why we don’t take it for granted. We come in every day and work and it really is an honor to put on the jersey.”

More from Mark Pope’s appearance on KSR

Trent Noah is one of many players Mark Pope talked about during his 15-minute appearance on KSR. Here is our coverage of the conversation, along with the complete replay.

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