Trent Noah, in addition to being a fan favorite for geographical reasons, has provided a serious spark off the bench for Kentucky in the last two games. Against Tennessee specifically, Noah drilled a three from the mid-court logo during a crucial second-half stretch that helped keep the Volunteers at bay.

In the loss to Arkansas, he watched the entire game from the bench.

Exploring Space

Mark Pope was asked about this seemingly random discrepancy after the game, saying, “With Drew coming back, and Ansley playing so well… I wonder if there’s some space for Trent actually at the 3. I think that’s something we can explore.”

“As we kind of reconfigure everything we’re doing right now, on the fly, he’s played well and there’s definitely space for him, and it’s my job to find it,” he continued.

With the carousel of injuries that Kentucky has dealt with so far this season, the rotations being non-concrete is no surprise.

But Noah’s absence in a game where the Wildcats are struggling in just about every facet that he specializes in is nothing short of a head-scratcher. The offense had stalled and energy was neutralized early in the second half; why not give Noah the chance to make a play on either end and restore those things, to some extent?

Wishful Thinking

Not to mention the crowd reaction that a Kentucky native elicits when he so much as touches the ball. With the crowd already at legendary levels during that game, Noah’s appearance in the team’s time of need could’ve gone a long way in that aspect alone.

Alas, retrospective wishful thinking won’t get us anywhere now. With a road match against Ole Miss next on the docket, Noah has an opportunity to continue his strong conference showings away from home in what has become yet another pivotal game for Kentucky.

Let’s just hope Pope finds space for him by then.

Love or hate John Calipari, the bond he forms with his players is special. Over the years, they have gone to bat for him.

That made the dynamic on Saturday night all the more awkward. While fans were split on whether to cheer or boo Calipari, players were split on their allegiance. On the one hand, they want to support the coach who helped create a better life for them and their families, but on the other, they want to support the program they played and fought for.

Since Calipari left Kentucky last April, several players have taken their stance with most going on record to say something to the effect of; they love Cal but will always support Kentucky. PJ Washington visited Calipari at Arkansas and wore Razorback gear, while Willie Cauley-Stein denounced that he would ever cheer for Arkansas despite his love for Cal.

Before Saturday’s game, there was of course Reed Sheppard wearing an Arkansas/Kentucky split outfit that many fans took displeasure with. However, after the game, multiple players posted their congratulations to Calipari on social media.

Davion Mintz was tame, simply saying “Great win coach.”

Meanwhile, former Cat TyTy Washington posted some trolling comments.

“Coach Cal understands it now”

“Walked into the trap and took over the trap.” (referencing Rupp arena)

One Kentucky noted to Washington, “That used to be your trap.”

Another former Cat, Jacob Toppin, retweeted Washington’s comments.

Washington and Toppin did say, “It’s all love,” but tt’s safe to say that these Cats won’t be getting a Christmas card this year.

The leadup to John Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena was surrounded by the debate to boo or cheer the former Wildcat coach.

Fans were split. Some voiced their appreciation for the success and memories between 2010 – 2019, while others voiced their displeasure with the underwhelming performances of the last four seasons.

That carried into the pregame environment inside Rupp Arena. Some fans were holding custom signs saying, “Welcome home Coach Cal”, while others wore t-shirts with Calipari sporting a red clown nose.

As he and former players walked out of the away team tunnel many fans were clapping, but were overpowered by the volume of boos. Something that his wife, Ellen Calipari, found disappointing.

Following Arkansas’ win, Ellen posted a photo of a Calipari-Arkansas shirt with the caption “Proud of some Razorback men.”

In the comments, she responded to several messages from Arkansas and Kentucky fans, including one who apologized for the booing from the fans. “The booing of him and the players was disappointing,” Ellen responded.