Kentucky Summer Heat: Jaland Lowe Arrives in Lexington and Declares Trent Noah the Best Shooter He’s Ever Seen
Former Pitt guard brings 16.8‑PPG firepower to Mark Pope’s year‑two roster and wastes no time hyping the home‑grown marksman
Lexington, Ky. — July has barely begun, yet the temperature inside the Joe Craft Center is already soaring. The reason? A brand‑new Kentucky Wildcats roster that blends transfer‑portal swagger with Bluegrass pride has hit the floor for summer workouts, and early soundbites are setting Big Blue Nation ablaze. None rang louder this week than guard Jaland Lowe’s instant endorsement of sophomore wing Trent Noah: “Trent Noah is the best shooter I’ve ever seen.”
A Transfer with Proven Production
Lowe arrives from Pittsburgh after a breakout sophomore campaign that saw the 6‑foot‑3 playmaker average 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting nearly 38 percent from deep. Those numbers made him one of the most coveted guards in the transfer portal, yet the Houston native chose Lexington over a host of suitors.
His decision wasn’t spontaneous. Former Wildcats De’Aaron Fox and Aaron Harrison reportedly reached out to Lowe’s father, praising Kentucky’s elite development and unmatched fan support. That personal touch helped solidify his commitment.
“Because It’s Kentucky”: Why Lowe Chose Lexington
Lowe made waves when he opted out of the NBA Draft to play another year of college basketball. When asked why he chose Kentucky, his response was direct: “Because it’s Kentucky.”
With Mark Pope installing a fast-paced, shooter-friendly offense and expectations high for a return to national prominence, Lowe saw an opportunity to lead a historic program back to the top—and sharpen his pro-ready skills in the process.
Trent Noah: From Quiet Freshman to Shooting Star
Trent Noah, a 6-foot-6 guard from Harlan County, Kentucky, is gearing up for a breakout sophomore year. As a freshman, he quietly shot over 40% from three-point range in limited minutes, but insiders say his role is about to skyrocket.
Now with the public backing of one of college basketball’s most promising guards, Noah’s profile is rising fast. Nicknamed “Laser Trent” by teammates, he’s known for his relentless work ethic—often in the gym well before sunrise putting up hundreds of shots. If he builds on that momentum, Kentucky could have one of the most dangerous shooting duos in the nation.
Inside Mark Pope’s Vision for Year Two
Head coach Mark Pope isn’t just rebuilding—he’s reimagining what Kentucky basketball looks like. His system is built around tempo, spacing, and versatile shot creation.
This offseason, the Wildcats have added size, skill, and experience, with notable transfers joining the mix. Alongside Lowe and Noah are names like Denzel Aberdeen and Reece Potter, forming a core capable of stretching defenses thin. Pope’s offense features five-out spacing, early drag screens, and secondary actions that turn shooters like Noah into primary weapons.
A Backcourt Built to Torch Defenses
What makes the Lowe-Noah connection so lethal?
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Dribble Penetration + Kick: Lowe’s ability to collapse defenses creates constant open looks for Noah on the perimeter.
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Off-Ball IQ: Noah isn’t just a shooter—he moves without the ball, reads closeouts, and can pass out of tight spots.
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Unselfish Culture: The mutual respect between returners and newcomers is translating into trust and chemistry on the court.
Big Blue Brotherhood: Culture Comes First
It’s one thing for a transfer to arrive with accolades; it’s another to walk in and immediately praise a teammate. Lowe didn’t have to make headlines by hyping Noah—but he did. That matters in Lexington.
Team insiders say this year’s group is unusually tight-knit. Group chats started well before players arrived on campus, and veterans have embraced newcomers rather than keeping them at arm’s length.
In Lowe’s words: “We’re here to win together. When I say Trent is the best shooter I’ve seen, it’s not for show. It’s real.”
Eyes on Banner 9
With expectations always sky-high in Lexington, the talk around campus is simple: Banner 9 or bust.
If Lowe continues to run the offense with poise and pace, and if Noah takes the leap many expect, Kentucky could field one of the most dynamic guard combinations in the SEC. Add rim protection from Aaron Bradshaw and depth from Pope’s bench, and this roster has the tools to make a deep March run.
Final Word
Jaland Lowe came to Lexington to chase greatness. In doing so, he may have just lit the fuse on Trent Noah’s national breakout. When a player who nearly averaged 17 points per game says you’re the best shooter he’s ever seen, the basketball world listens.
Now it’s up to Noah—and the rest of the Wildcats—to turn that praise into production and bring the heat all season long.
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