South Carolina Basketball: Gamecock signee released from NLI, likely headed to the UK
Trent Noah, a South Carolina basketball signee, was freed from his signed NLI and appears to be headed to the rival Kentucky Wildcats.
When sharpshooting wing Trent Noah committed to the South Carolina basketball program in the autumn, everyone knew the Harlan County, Kentucky native was an undervalued prospect who was far better than his recruiting rankings suggested.
His commitment to the Gamecocks prompted many in both the Palmetto State and the Bluegrass State to ask the same question: “Why wasn’t UK after this kid?” Former Wildcat head coach John Calipari had made a huge mistake by not attempting to recruit Noah, who stands 6’6″.
It appears that incoming Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope will not make the same error.
On Tuesday, Noah stated that he had requested and received a release from his signed NLI (national letter of intent), and that he would not be attending the South Carolina basketball program after all.
Noah praised Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks in his social media post, but also stated that he will be searching for “basketball opportunities closer to home.” Nothing has been official as of this writing, but based on rumors around the Wildcats, Coach Pope appears to be receiving a fantastic offensive talent to join his team.
Losing Noah affects the Gamecocks because he is a superb shooter with the potential to develop into an all-around offensive threat on the wing. He wasn’t going to start in his first year at Columbia, but he could have carved out a decent role this season to serve as a springboard for more success in the program
If Noah ends up joining the rival Kentucky Wildcats, the Gamecocks will have to play against him every season.
Noah’s decision to decommit creates a void that South Carolina basketball coach Lamont Paris will try to fill through the transfer portal or with another player from the class of 2024 who does not have a definitive home. The Gamecocks do not have a significant need for another wing from a positional viewpoint, so Paris will have some leeway in who he targets.While Noah’s loss is significant, Gamecock supporters have reason to be optimistic, as Coach Paris has a track record of bringing strong players to Columbia from both the transfer portal and the high school ranks.
