“Being a Kentucky legend is different. Trent Noah is made different.”
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope hasn’t been shy in expressing excitement about the future of his program — and that enthusiasm starts with two homegrown talents.
Rising sophomore Trent Noah and incoming freshman Malachi Moreno have both caught Pope’s eye this offseason, not just for their potential but for how they represent the values and identity of Kentucky basketball.
“It’s gonna be impossible for me to love Trent Noah any more than I do right now,” Pope said during a recent interview with local media. “He’s got a chance. Doing it here is different than doing it anywhere else. Being a Kentucky legend is different.
“Trent Noah is made different.”
Noah, who hails from Harlan County, made an impression in limited minutes last season with his work ethic, toughness, and shot-making. As the Wildcats shift into a new era under Pope, Noah figures to be a key culture-setter — someone who understands what it means to wear Kentucky across his chest.
Then there’s the next big thing — literally. Seven-footer Malachi Moreno, a Georgetown native and one of the top big men in the 2025 class is set to begin his freshman year in Lexington. His length, passing vision, and rim protection have already drawn buzz from national scouts.
“It seems like every day, college and NBA evaluators fall more and more in love with him,” Pope said of Moreno. “He keeps getting better. We’re really excited to have him.”
For Pope, it’s not just about talent — it’s about pride. With Noah and Moreno, Kentucky has two in-state players who bring both.
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