Trent Noah has soaked in every minute of the "College Basketball 101" course this season and his instructor has taken note of his student's willingness to learn.
“He comes every single day and competes with full intensity and incredible physicality,” Kentucky coach Mark Pope said. “I say this all the time — he’s (has) a clear heart, incredible focus, and he’s like a sponge learning.”
The instructional time in practice is beginning to pay off for the pride of Harlan County. He scored a career-high 11 points, complete with a trio of clutch 3-pointers, in Kentucky’s 75-64 win over Tennessee on Tuesday night. The performance earned Noah a pat on the back from his college coach.
“How about a big, massive shoutout for Eastern Kentucky showing up today — it’s just really special.,” Pope said. ”You know, we’ve got the “Mountain Mamba” We’ve got the 'Holla-Balla,' which may be my favorite (nickname). I give all the credit to Trent Noah’s family and his community and where he grew up. Because this is what he is.”
The freshman guard was used to getting all of the attention in his hometown in the 606 during his stellar prep career, but it took longer for the limelight to shine on a much bigger stage.
“He comes every single day and he gets no love from us,” Pope said. “He’s not a featured guy from practice. He’s not getting the media attention. He’s not gifted anything and he comes (every day).
“We’ve talked about this over and over again and it’s fine to talk about it tonight because he was incredible tonight."
His teammates, including Koby Brea, have enjoyed watching Noah grow up before their own eyes.
"It's such a good feeling," Brea said. "It kind of feels like watching myself a little bit just because I remember being in their shoes and going through those moments and having a big moment in a big game like that. Man, those guys, they put in the work (and) to see the work pay off (is awesome)."
Throughout the season, Noah’s time on the court has been limited, but his presence has increased as the Wildcats navigate injury issues with some members of the team’s starting cast, including point guard Lamont Butler, forward Andrew Carr and guard Jaxson Robinson.
He credits the veterans for preparing the way in practice and off the court.
"Being able to play with so many older guys and so many great players, you just get to sit around and pick their brain because they went through it," Noah said. "They know exactly how I'm feeling. They've been in the same spot. So getting able to learn from guys like that makes it so much easier."
His faith also made the transition smoother, even when he wasn’t sure if the road would lead to the pinnacle of college basketball.
“It's God's plan," Noah said. "I just try to trust it, and even when things go bad, things I don't really know what's going on, I just always lean back to that. Whatever plan he had for me, whatever the path, I was trusting and going with it. That's what makes it so special about being a Christian."
For his followers back home in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, Noah wants to continue to be an example for youngsters in the region to follow their dreams.
"That's such a great area with so many passionate fans," Noah said. "I just want to show the kids there that anything's possible if you just work hard and trust God. All your dreams will pan out the way that it should."
Trent Noah celebrates with Otega Oweh after Kentucky defeated Tennessee Tuesday night in Lexington. (Photo by Les Nicholson)
