Trent Noah, a rising sophomore guard for Kentucky basketball, wasn’t surprised when his roommate and close friend Travis Perry decided to transfer after just one season in Lexington. Though Perry had openly wrestled with the idea for weeks following the end of the Wildcats’ 2024–25 season, it still hit hard when he officially entered the transfer portal on April 22—the final day it was open.
“It definitely stung,” Noah admitted during an interview.
Perry, a heralded recruit and in-state star, announced shortly afterward that he would be continuing his college basketball career at Ole Miss. While the decision left Kentucky fans and teammates disappointed, it was not without reason. According to Perry, his choice came down to what was best for his basketball future, and he was drawn to the vision presented by Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard.
“I was very happy with my freshman year at Kentucky,” Perry said during his first press conference after transferring. “I was surrounded by a great group of guys and learned so much. It really transformed my game. But when I explored other options, Coach Beard’s plan for me at Ole Miss stood out. I felt like it was the right place to grow and contribute in a meaningful way.”
Perry’s decision came despite a strong support system at Kentucky. Noah, who shared a room and close friendship with him, tried everything he could to convince Perry to stay.
“I really wanted him to stay,” Noah said. “He’s a great friend and an incredible player. But in the end, he had to do what was right for him, and I completely respect that. I still care about him and wish him the best—just not when we’re playing against each other.”
Their paths will indeed cross again, as both players will remain in the Southeastern Conference. Perry’s transfer to Ole Miss means that a future SEC matchup with Kentucky is likely, something Noah isn’t exactly looking forward to. The competitive spirit is strong, but so is the bond they built during their time together.
“We were both freshmen,” Noah said. “We leaned on each other a lot, especially during the tough parts of the season. But this is the nature of college basketball now. Players have to find the best path for themselves, and that’s what he did.”
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope echoed Noah’s sentiments. Last month, he expressed how difficult it was to see Perry leave, noting not just Perry’s talent on the court but also his character.
“I was devastated,” Pope said on May 13. “Travis is an incredible young man. He’s mature beyond his years and wise in a way that’s rare. He embodies everything you want in a player and person.”
Noah praised Perry’s maturity as well, particularly how he handled his departure. Perry didn’t leave his teammates in the dark; instead, he was upfront and transparent about his decision before it became public.
“He made sure the whole team knew what was going on before the news broke,” Noah explained. “That really meant a lot. He didn’t want us to find out from social media.”
For Perry, the decision wasn’t rushed or taken lightly. He emphasized the importance of making the most of his limited college basketball window.
“You don’t get forever to play this game,” Perry said. “So I talked it over with my family, and we made the call that we felt was best for my career. I’m really excited about what’s ahead.”
Collin Chandler, the third freshman from Kentucky’s 2024 recruiting class, shared a similar sense of loss. He likened Perry’s departure to “losing a brother.”
“It was tough to see him go,” Chandler said. “We were all really close. But I believe everything happens for a reason. If Travis felt that moving to Ole Miss was the right move, we have to support that.”
Chandler, like Noah, wishes Perry success—though he added, jokingly, that he won’t hold back when the two teams meet on the court.
“It’s going to be sad,” Chandler said with a grin, “but we’re still going to have to beat up on him in SEC play.”
Perry and Noah are both legendary figures in Kentucky high school basketball circles. Their careers were followed closely across the Bluegrass State, and the excitement surrounding their commitment to UK was enormous. That Perry will now continue his journey in a different SEC uniform marks a significant shift for fans and teammates alike.
Still, it’s clear there’s no bitterness. Instead, there’s understanding, respect, and continued camaraderie—even if it’s now from afar. The move highlights the shifting landscape of college basketball, where roster turnover has become increasingly common due to the transfer portal and players’ growing willingness to make moves that align with their individual goals.
For Perry, the next chapter begins in Oxford, Mississippi, where he’s eager to make his mark under Chris Beard’s leadership. For Noah and Chandler, the focus now shifts to building chemistry with new teammates and preparing for their second season under Coach Pope.
And while it may be difficult not having Perry around in Lexington, his former teammates are determined to move forward with no hard feelings.
As Noah put it, “That’s just the way th
ings go now. I’m happy for him. We all are.”
