Kentucky basketball freshmen Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, Travis Perry reflect on UK season playing for Wildcats coach Mark Pope, Sweet 16.

Kentucky Basketball Freshmen Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, and Travis Perry Reflect on UK Season Playing for Coach Mark Pope, Sweet 16 Appearance

The 2024-25 season for the Kentucky Wildcats was a year filled with promise, adversity, and significant growth for the young players on the roster. Among them were freshmen Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, and Travis Perry—three players who had big expectations placed on them as they entered Coach Mark Pope’s system. Despite being first-year players, they played key roles in Kentucky’s journey to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

This article reflects on their experiences during the season, their personal growth, and the impact Coach Pope had on their development. We will hear their reflections on what it was like to play for Kentucky, what they learned from the intense atmosphere, and how they plan to carry these lessons into future seasons.

Collin Chandler: A Freshman with Immense Potential

Collin Chandler, a 6-foot-4 guard from Salt Lake City, Utah, was one of the standout players in the 2024 recruiting class for Kentucky. Known for his smooth scoring ability, basketball IQ, and defensive versatility, Chandler was immediately thrust into the spotlight at Kentucky. From the opening tip of the season, it was clear that Chandler had the skills to thrive in the Wildcats’ high-pressure environment.

Despite the challenges of adjusting to the rigors of SEC basketball, Chandler showed flashes of brilliance that made fans excited about his potential. His shooting, ball-handling, and ability to make plays for others were key reasons why Coach Pope trusted him to play significant minutes early in the season. But Chandler admits that the transition wasn’t easy.

The Adjustment to College Basketball

“It was a lot more difficult than I expected,” Chandler reflects. “Coming from high school, everything felt so fast. The talent level is on a whole different level in college, especially playing in the SEC. I knew it would be tough, but the physicality and the speed of the game really hit me hard at first.”

Chandler’s early season struggles were evident in some of the Wildcats’ losses. He had moments where he was unsure about his role on the floor and faced challenges in staying consistent in both scoring and defending. However, over time, Chandler’s adjustment to the college game became more apparent. As the season progressed, he grew into one of Kentucky’s most reliable perimeter scorers.

“I think the key for me was just slowing down the game in my mind,” Chandler explains. “Coach Pope really helped me with that. He kept telling me that I had the skills, but it was about learning how to read the game, take what the defense gives me, and not rush my shots.”

By the time Kentucky reached the Sweet 16, Chandler had become a more poised player. He was not only able to score efficiently but also was contributing defensively and facilitating the offense. His improvement throughout the season was a testament to his work ethic and the guidance he received from Coach Pope.

The Sweet 16 and What it Meant for Chandler

“Getting to the Sweet 16 was special for me,” Chandler says with pride. “As a freshman, it’s always tough to play on a big stage, but it was amazing to be part of such a historic program. We came together as a team, and it felt like we really started to click towards the end of the season.”

Chandler’s breakout moment came during Kentucky’s first-round game of the NCAA Tournament, where he hit several critical three-pointers to keep the Wildcats in the game. As the tournament progressed, Chandler’s confidence grew. By the time Kentucky reached the Sweet 16, he had solidified his place as one of the team’s key players.

“Just being in that environment—the energy from the crowd, the pressure of the game—it was everything I’d imagined and more. I’m excited for what’s next because we’re building something special at Kentucky.”

Trent Noah: The Defensive Anchor Who Stepped Up

Trent Noah, a 6-foot-7 forward from Dallas, Texas, came into Kentucky with a reputation for his defensive prowess and his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. Though not as heralded as some of Kentucky’s other freshmen, Noah quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest players on the team. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide energy on both ends of the floor was crucial to the Wildcats’ success.

Noah was a defensive stopper from the beginning, but he also had a knack for stepping up in key moments on offense. He was not known for being a prolific scorer, but he wasn’t afraid to take and make big shots when his team needed it most. For Noah, his rookie season was a valuable learning experience, especially in terms of how to handle the emotional ups and downs of being part of such a high-profile program.

Adjusting to the Spotlight

“I was nervous when I first came in,” Noah admits. “It’s Kentucky. The pressure, the fans, the expectations… it can be overwhelming. But Coach Pope told me that I had a role, and he was confident that I could impact the team from day one. I just had to be myself and do what I do best, which was defend and play hard.”

Noah’s defensive abilities were on display throughout the season. He regularly took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s best players, and his presence on the court often sparked the team’s energy. But like many freshmen, Noah had to adjust to playing against players with more experience and physicality.

“I definitely had to get stronger, especially when guarding players in the SEC. Every night was a battle,” Noah explains. “But I loved it. The challenge was exciting, and the coaching staff was always there to help me get better. Coach Pope always emphasized the importance of defense and getting stops. It’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward.”

The Sweet 16 and Noah’s Growth

Reflecting on Kentucky’s Sweet 16 appearance, Noah is proud of how far the team came. “There’s no question that it was a big accomplishment for us. Getting to the Sweet 16 with a bunch of freshmen and sophomores shows the potential this team has. We were able to battle through adversity and grow as a group. It wasn’t always easy, but we made it happen.”

Noah believes that the experience of playing in the tournament has helped him grow as both a player and a person. The grind of playing in the NCAA Tournament, with all of its intensity and high expectations, showed him the level of preparation needed to succeed in college basketball.

“Next year, I want to come back even stronger—both physically and mentally. We all learned so much from this year, and now we know what it takes to go even further.”

Travis Perry: A Sharpshooter Making His Mark

Travis Perry, a 6-foot-3 guard from Jackson, Kentucky, was another key piece of Kentucky’s highly regarded freshman class. Known for his exceptional shooting ability, Perry quickly became one of the team’s most reliable perimeter threats. His smooth stroke from deep and his ability to stretch defenses made him a dangerous weapon for the Wildcats throughout the season.

Coming from a smaller high school program, Perry knew that stepping into Kentucky’s massive spotlight would be a challenge. However, his experience in high-pressure situations—winning state championships and performing on the national stage—helped him adjust to the rigors of playing for one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.

The Transition to College Basketball

“The transition to college was a huge jump,” Perry acknowledges. “I was used to being the go-to guy in high school, but at Kentucky, I had to figure out how I could help the team. I wasn’t always the primary scorer, but Coach Pope made sure I knew that my shooting and spacing were going to be really important for us.”

Perry’s role was not always to be the focal point of the offense, but his ability to knock down timely three-pointers kept defenses honest and created opportunities for his teammates. Throughout the season, Perry’s confidence grew, and he was able to contribute in a more significant way during the NCAA Tournament.

“I think my best moment came in the tournament when I hit a couple of big shots in the second round to keep us going,” Perry says. “It felt good to be able to contribute at such a high level and help the team get to the Sweet 16.”

The Sweet 16 and the Learning Curve

Perry reflects on the Sweet 16 run with a sense of pride but also an understanding that this is just the beginning. “Making it to the Sweet 16 was awesome, but we all know we can do more. We want to go further next year. The experience of playing in such high-stakes games was something I’ll never forget, and it definitely helped me grow.”

Perry’s development as a shooter was evident in several key moments during the season, but he recognizes that there is still a lot of room for improvement. “I need to work on becoming more of a playmaker, not just a shooter,” Perry admits. “I want to be able to create my own shots and be more versatile on offense. I think that will make me more dangerous next year.”

Looking Ahead: Building on the Foundation

As the 2025-26 season approaches, these three freshmen—Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, and Travis Perry—will look to build on the foundation they’ve established during their first year at Kentucky. With a year of experience under their belts and valuable lessons learned during the NCAA Tournament, they are poised to take on larger roles in Coach Pope’s system.

“Next year, we’re coming for everything,” Chandler says with confidence. “We’ve learned a lot this season, and we’re ready to take it to the next level. The sky’s the limit for this team.”

For Noah and Perry, the lessons learned in the Sweet 16 and throughout the regular season have set the stage for bigger goals in the future. With their collective growth and development, the Wildcats are positioning themselves for an exciting season ahead.

The Wildcats’ success in 2025-26 will be largely shaped by how these freshmen continue to evolve. The potential is certainly there, and with the guidance of Coach Mark Pope, Kentucky is set to continue its pursuit of greatness in the years to come.