Was Cal right about Perry and maybe Noah?

[uk78]

I am not beating up on Perry and Noah has shown some overall skills. However, I will admit I am so disappointed in Perry. This is the historic leading scorer in Kentucky High School basketball history. Won the preseason 3 point contest. In fact, there were several experts (not people here) on Youtube and other media saying he was a real talent. He also seemed slightly better in offense that Reed which made it ever more exciting a prospect to see. I don't know if it is psychological or he just isn't aggressive or is simply not at the level expected but it is hard to debate he is no Reed Sheppard or outstanding compared with many other Freshman for other teams.

Noah I think has done a little better but is he better than other Freshman for other teams? You can't have players who are not better than their opponents and expect to win.

I know many here, perhaps including me, hope they will develop. But, in the world of college basketball in today's game you have to have players who impact if you want to win. Perry, Noah, and Chandler the highest rated of the 3) are certainly not striking fear or causing coaches to come up with a game plan to stop them.

We knew already that Cal would not have recruited either Kentucky player other than if forced to have Perry to sit on the bench. I am no Cal fan any longer but was he right in this one?

 

[Himmels]

I think Perrys done a pretty good job this year. Needs to cut down on turnovers and defend better, but I think you can contribute that to athletic ability against the competition. Not sure what some were expecting from a freshman Travis Perry against a loaded, veteran SEC.

 

[baseball is life]

You do realize Cal signed Perry right? Give Noah a couple of years and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[JumperJack]

These are true freshmen. It used to be that guys like this weren’t expected to really shine until midway through second year.

I think they’ve done ok. They’re role players.

 

[SemperFiCat]

Just because Perry and Noah may not fit Cal's top agenda, doesn't mean they can't be good college players.

It is kinda odd that between the two, most would say Noah might be the better high level college player. Guess which one Cal passed on...

 

[TTTblue24]

He signed Perry but sounds like people were kinda pressuring him to offer but definitely feel he whiffed on Noah, I for sure think Noah will be a solid contributor in his time here.

 

[ORCAT]

Not sure about Perry, he seems very slow footed and can't come close to staying with his man on defense. Not sure he can improve that very much. I have more confidence in Noah being a 4 year guy who will contribute off the bench pretty well maybe his final 2 years. Solid depth guy.

 

[ukcatz12]

He was right in not really wanting either within the context of the system Cal runs. It relies on impact freshmen who are ready to contribute immediately. His system hasn't really had success with brining in longer term projects who wait their turn and contribute as juniors and seniors.

 

[Seth_C]

Not every player on the roster can be a star in their Freshman year. Surely you understand that? Would you prefer to recruit backups who will sit on the bench for a year then bolt the next season to a higher bidder?

 

[EliteBlue]

These are true freshmen. It used to be that guys like this weren’t expected to really shine until midway through second year.

I think they’ve done ok. They’re role players.

This. They weren’t brought here to be year 1 contributors. They were brought to develop like traditional 4yr college basketball players and be contributors their jr/sr year. They’ve just been thrust into Carly action due to injuries to 4 of our top 6

 

[stenchymouse]

They've been really solid as freshmen if you take into account the strength of the SEC.

I'm very pleased with them both!

 

[bthaunert]

Travis Perry was ranked the 76th player in the country out of HS. The only other perimeter players we have had with a similar ranking over the past 20 years are Dontaie Allen (68th) and Jemarl Baker (82nd). I think your expectations were slightly high for immediate impact with Travis.

As for Noah, he was ranked 144 in HS. Anything he gives us this year should be looked at a positive.

Neither of these guys would have been counted on this year for anything other than spot minutes had we had a healthy Kerr, Carr, Robinson and Butler.

But, these are good guys to have if they stay with UK. While there is a chance they might not be stars here, they have the ability to be really key rotation players that provide consistency with the roster.

 

[Fox2monk]

Not sure about Perry, he seems very slow footed and can't come close to staying with his man on defense. Not sure he can improve that very much. I have more confidence in Noah being a 4 year guy who will contribute off the bench pretty well maybe his final 2 years. Solid depth guy.

That’s my worry, he can’t improve on his athletic weakness that much. His height will always be a detriment in this conference too. I feel like Noah has a frame that he could build on to defend someone on the court well enough in the future. Maybe Perry keeps getting better and becomes like a mini Travis Ford. They are great guys to stockpile in the 8-12 range players on a team. You won’t find many guys with talent who will willingly be the 10th man a couple years.

 

[Bluesnky]

None of these guys were supposed to play much for us this year, except maybe Chandler, and even he was getting only 2-5 minutes per game against Duke and Gonzaga. They’ve all been thrown into the fire due to injuries in possibly the worst season possible for that to happen (meaning the SEC is the best conference maybe ever and is filled with fifth year seniors.)

 

[Usmcincy]

There’s time when Noah is the best rebounder we have. He plays hard. His shot is cold right now, he’ll get it figured out during his career here

 

[UK90]

I am not beating up on Perry and Noah has shown some overall skills. However, I will admit I am so disappointed in Perry. This is the historic leading scorer in Kentucky High School basketball history. Won the preseason 3 point contest. In fact, there were several experts (not people here) on Youtube and other media saying he was a real talent. He also seemed slightly better in offense that Reed which made it ever more exciting a prospect to see. I don't know if it is psychological or he just isn't aggressive or is simply not at the level expected but it is hard to debate he is no Reed Sheppard or outstanding compared with many other Freshman for other teams.

Noah I think has done a little better but is he better than other Freshman for other teams? You can't have players who are not better than their opponents and expect to win.

I know many here, perhaps including me, hope they will develop. But, in the world of college basketball in today's game you have to have players who impact if you want to win. Perry, Noah, and Chandler the highest rated of the 3) are certainly not striking fear or causing coaches to come up with a game plan to stop them.

We knew already that Cal would not have recruited either Kentucky player other than if forced to have Perry to sit on the bench. I am no Cal fan any longer but was he right in this one?

Stop comparing him to Reed Sheppard. That's an unfair thing that people do on this board constantly.

I think Sheppard's success was bad for players like Perry and Noah in the sense that it created unreasonable expectations. They might look like they're similar things, but really they're not. Perry is never gonna be the caliber prospect that Reed was for the simple reason that he does not have his explosive legs. He has normal white person legs, instead of "both parents were superstar athletes" legs.

That ain't his fault. Blame genetics.

 

[flacat22]

You do realize Cal signed Perry right? Give Noah a couple of years and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Why let facts get in the way?

 

[Jazzycat]

Freshmen need time - I like their energy and project that they will be crucial in the years to come. Give them time…

 

[SemperFiCat]

Why let facts get in the way?

Cal just wanted a little support boost from the bennies. Cal would've never played Perry, and he would've transferred out. Under Cal, Perry would have a total of 5 min this season. In hindsight it's pretty weird that Cal picked Perry over Noah.

 

[JimBR]

One of these two guys will be a significant contributor tonight. They play better in Rupp than the road most of the time. They're adjusting to the speed and athleticism of college. Both can and will get better, lots of freshmen struggle and don't contribute much their first year. Expectations too high?

 

[FtWorthCat]

You do realize Cal signed Perry right? Give Noah a couple of years and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Cal offered a scholarship to Perry in the Summer before his Junior year of high school. The problem is that people are used to seeing guys like SGA, Maxey and Cason Wallace, so they look at Perry and say he isn't a UK level talent. Perry is a four year player, hopefully. He wasn't really supposed to get meaningful minutes as a Freshman. I compare Perry to Roger Harden as a freshman, for those old enough to remember him. Harden struggled way worse than Perry as a freshman, but was an all-SEC point guard on a top 5 team as a Senior. Enjoy the process, it's a different mindset with Pope.

 

[yoshukai]

I am not beating up on Perry and Noah has shown some overall skills. However, I will admit I am so disappointed in Perry. This is the historic leading scorer in Kentucky High School basketball history. Won the preseason 3 point contest. In fact, there were several experts (not people here) on Youtube and other media saying he was a real talent. He also seemed slightly better in offense that Reed which made it ever more exciting a prospect to see. I don't know if it is psychological or he just isn't aggressive or is simply not at the level expected but it is hard to debate he is no Reed Sheppard or outstanding compared with many other Freshman for other teams.

Noah I think has done a little better but is he better than other Freshman for other teams? You can't have players who are not better than their opponents and expect to win.

I know many here, perhaps including me, hope they will develop. But, in the world of college basketball in today's game you have to have players who impact if you want to win. Perry, Noah, and Chandler the highest rated of the 3) are certainly not striking fear or causing coaches to come up with a game plan to stop them.

We knew already that Cal would not have recruited either Kentucky player other than if forced to have Perry to sit on the bench. I am no Cal fan any longer but was he right in this one?

I saw multiple HS games of Perry and Reed . Perry was absolutely a better 3 point shooter than Reed in High School. But shooting was the only thing he did better. Then Reed took it to another level in College. Knocking down open looks is the only thing I’ve been a little disappointed about with Perry. Every thing else has been about what I expected. Neither Cal (who signed him) nor Pope expected him to play much at all this year .

 

[cbrwalt]

Perry:
35% from three
83% from free throws

Noah:
38% from three
80% from free throws

In general, their percentages should increase each year. As freshman who are limited athletically, this is a really good start. They should be huge next year as bench players, but we can not rely on them to be starters next year. We definitely need better options for the starting line up.

 

[Eccain01]

Perry originally signed with Cal. But regardless it’s far too early to make assumptions about their career. In fact they’ve both exceeded my expectations this seasons

 

[wkycatfan]

We need to recruit at least 1-2 in state players every year imo.

 

[bbncal02]

Noah has shown bright spots of toughness and energy. He’s going up against grown ass men in league though. It’s gonna take a couple of years.

 

[bbncal02]

We need to recruit at least 1-2 in state players every year imo.

If they are good. We don’t need more Dontae Allen’s.

 

[uk78]

You do realize Cal signed Perry right? Give Noah a couple of years and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Yes I know but most here thought he was "forced" and had little intention of playing him. Go back and read comments from many here during that time. And again I am not saying in the future anyone won't improve and some being great. In fact, I think we need experienced Juniors and Seniors along with a few superstars. But, both Noah (whom Cal did not recruit) and Perry had people thinking they were going to be better as Freshman than what has occurred. I feel Perry needs to just let it all hang out and he seems very limited in the offense he is involved with and his shots when he has any time to think seem off.

 

[sambowieshin]

They are role players and would do well as backups in an 8 to 10 man rotation.
Asking them to play major minutes in this SEC is not good for them or UK basketball at this point.
That said .... I am glad they are in the team and hope they can play that role if/when Pope brings in better talent.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I think Reed Sheppard's play in year 1 really spoiled all of us. Some of these guys just take a while. It was Pope and Staff's first year with the team.. it was their first year here.. the whole team is new. There was really NOTHING rolled over from last year and that makes a huge difference. Might just take him until he's a Junior.

Edit: We also can't forget that the SEC os si damn good right now, especially compared to Cal's early years at UK. That's a HUGE factor in this as well. We're playing top50 teams every night when 10 years ago we were playing mostly 100-50th teams.

 

[Stretch98]

Perry is playing out of position. Put him in a position to move without the ball and utilize screens, and not be depended on to initiate offense, and he will be a deadeye shooter off the bench who will really help us.

 

[TJ-Cat]

They are doing just fine. The experience they've gotten this year due to injuries will pay off big time when they are juniors and seniors.

 

[TX-Wildcat]

They are certainly not typical Cal-type recruits, being they will likely each graduate in 4 years and play all of those years. I am okay with this, as developing talent (home grown or not) is a good thing.

Both have suffered some Frosh moments, but both have also shown very good flashes. Perry, has shown he is not scared. Noah at times seems scared to shoot, but he is never scared to get physical (if he stayed with UofSC he would be getting serious minutes for the Cocks).

Will either be All-SEC first teamers? Probably not. However, both will be important glue pieces for this program. Pope said about Almonor, he will win us a few games. These two will do the same in the future!

Sleep on them, I dare anyone!

 

[Cats192]

They've exceeded my expectations. I think some people's expectations are unrealistic. They weren't recruited to be 1 and done guys. The OP asks "are they better than freshmen for other teams?" Most freshmen don't play. You probably can't name most freshmen for other teams. It's expected and normal that freshmen take a while to be quality college players. It's also a sign that you have good older players.

Perry has found his confidence offensively. He's shooting 36% from 3. He needs to improve on defense. So do most freshmen.

Noah has been a solid rebounder. He's shooting 38% from 3. He's ok defensively.

 

[Big BlueBeard]

Perry's issue is that he gets abused because he's just not big enough, and that's also why I think Noah has a chance. He's got the build to be able to fill out and get better/stronger. I just don't think Perry's frame will allow that. He's just too small, and not quick enough to make up for that lack of size.

 

[westerncat]

They are FRESHMEN ! Can't understand why some cannot understand this. Going from HS to College is a big jump for most kids. They will be much better next year. Experience is a great teacher.

 

[precipitance]

They do not fit Cal's system or style of play. They are not super athletic and struggle on defense because of it. Cal wasn't wrong, but that doesn't mean they are wrong for Pope. They have filled in and helped us win a few games we would have lost due to injuries. They haven't played like superstar freshmen in most our games, but I don't consider them as the reason we lost games. They should not have had to play starter minutes and are more or less house money. They give us something else to root for within the game. It's been fun.

 

[sambowieshin]

They are role players and would do well as backups in an 8 to 10 man rotation.
Asking them to play major minutes in this SEC is not good for them or UK basketball at this point in their development.
That said .... I am glad they are in the team and hope they can play that role if/when Pope brings in better talent.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

I think Perrys done a pretty good job this year. Needs to cut down on turnovers and defend better, but I think you can contribute that to athletic ability against the competition. Not sure what some were expecting from a freshman Travis Perry against a loaded, veteran SEC.

Very fair point about Perry and the other freshmen against the SEC.

My worry or eye opening moments were when they struggled at the end of non conference games against the stinky teams.

Our 3 freshmen made a combined 14 FGs during our whole non conference schedule while never being injured themselves. It felt like often they’d come in with a comfortable lead with 5 minutes left or other situations and instead of holding or growing it, it was a pretty big net negative.

I still really like both KY guys as deep depth guys next year. But I do think it fair to wonder the amount of upside either has given their athletic limitations.

 

[cat tat2]

They may not be future NBA players, but I think they can be good/very good college players. Time will tell, I’m happy they’re here.