Welcome back, Trent Noah. Keep shooting.

by: Drew Franklin3 hours agoDrewFranklinKSR

trent-noah-eiu — Nov 14, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Trent Noah (9) returns to the bench during a timeout in the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Trent Noah cracked the starting lineup for the first game of his second season, but rolled his ankle in the first half of that win over Nicholls. He would miss the next game against Valparaiso, then did not play in the loss to Louisville despite warming up and dressing out. The DNP was a coach’s decision.

Against Eastern Illinois on Friday night, Noah sat for the first six minutes before checking in for his first game action in 10 days. He didn’t need long to make an impact. A minute in, Noah blocked an Eastern Illinois layup, then ran back to knock down a three-pointer from the corner on the other end. Rupp Arena loved it.

Mountain Mamba +3️⃣

📺 – SEC Network+ pic.twitter.com/VNH1FTGu3I
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 15, 2025

A few minutes later, he drilled another three-pointer from deep in transition.

That 3 looked too tasty! Trent Noah drains another 3. pic.twitter.com/43WQUTWL4Z
— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) November 15, 2025

He’d miss three other tries on the night, finishing 2-for-5 from deep with eight points in the game. More than a shooter, he added three rebounds, two steals, and a block in 22 minutes played off the bench.

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The importance of Noah’s shooting

With questions regarding the future of the backcourt, Noah’s return comes at the right time. No, he won’t be running point guard for Jaland Lowe, but Noah is a reliable floor-spacer who helps drive Pope’s offense, which will make things easier on whoever fills Lowe’s shoes and everyone else (looking at you, Otega Oweh).

When a defender has to stay glued to Noah in the corner, the lane opens. When he runs to the wing in transition, the defense stretches. He hit threes from both of those spots against Eastern Illinois. It may have been a small sample, but it was a reminder of what Noah can give this team when he’s healthy and hitting shots. And as the competition ramps up against next week, Kentucky needs every bit of it.

Welcome back, Mountain Mamba.