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Travis Perry on How He’s Gained Confidence on the Court Ahead of Texas A&M Matchup

After being thrust into the rotation following Kerr Kriisa’s injury, Travis Perry talks finding comfortability and confidence on the court.

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Kentucky basketball Travis Perry talks about growing more comfortable on the court.
Marissa Gilchrist | UK Athletics

Travis Perry is the only member of the current Kentucky team who was committed before Mark Pope took over as the head coach last Spring.

After the dust settled on the program’s overhaul, Mr. Kentucky Basketball found himself third on the depth chart behind seniors Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa, until the latter unfortunately suffered a leg injury in the second half of Kentucky’s win over Gonzaga.

Trial By Fire

With Kriisa out for an extended period of time, Perry stepped in as Butler’s backup without missing a beat. And, while it took a few games, he’s started to find his footing in the role and then some.

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In each of the last four games, “TP,” as Coach Pope calls him, has managed to score, as well as to make an impact in other ways. Just this past game, a win at Mississippi State, Perry nabbed an offensive rebound, dribbled back out to the wing, and drilled a line-drive triple to sour the Bulldogs’ momentum. He’s become a pivotal piece on Kentucky’s bench as they work their way through a rigorous conference schedule.

In a press conference previewing the team’s upcoming home bout with Texas A&M, who are ranked 11th in the national AP Poll, Perry was asked about the change from high school to college basketball, specifically on the defensive end.

“It’s an adjustment. You’re playing against a lot better players, even if you’re guarding the best player on the opposing high school team, you’re still probably not guarding somebody as good as you’re guarding now,” he said.

“I’ve had so many reps from the beginning of summer until now, I think I’m starting to get confidence in it.”

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Confidence From Coach

Perry also mentioned Pope’s ability as a coach to imbue his players with confidence, as well as the depth of this year’s Kentucky team, “I think something that’s great about our team is we have so many weapons, so many guys that could have a great night any night… I think that in itself builds confidence.”

“Coach Pope instills a lot of confidence in us. The only time he gets mad at us on offense is for not shooting… that’s something you always want from a coach.”

Pope reported Perry’s high-level shooting efficiency in practice before the season started, and has proven at multiple intervals that he’s comfortable with anyone on the roster taking a shot when they have a look.

Perry and the Wildcats will look to build on their momentum Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. in Rupp Arena, in a fringe Top 10 matchup with the visiting Aggies.

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Men's Basketball

Amari Williams Picked 46th by the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Draft

Amari Williams is the second Kentucky player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, as Boston takes the big man with their second round pick.

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Amari Williams is drafted by the Boston Celtics.
Wesley Hale | Imagn Images

Fan-favorite big man (and official Weetabix sponsor) Amari Williams has officially made it to the big leagues, taken by the Boston Celtics with the 46th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, via a trade with the Orlando Magic.

The selection makes Williams the second Wildcat to be scooped up from this year’s pool, following Koby Brea being picked by the Phoenix Suns just five picks earlier at the 41st spot. From Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team, two transfer athletes (thus far) in their last year of eligibility have achieved next-level dreams by way of the blue and white.

Williams, who averaged 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists per game during his lone season in Lexington, will look to aid Boston in filling their recently vacant five-spot, left by the recently traded Kristaps Porzingis.

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As Wildcat fans surely know, not only can Williams battle with the best of them in the paint, but he can run the floor as efficiently as just about any guard, too. His versatility and sizable frame ensure a high ceiling in the NBA and, despite not every draft board seeing him selected, the league champions two years removed made the call when it mattered.

Hailing overseas from Nottingham, England, and spending his first four years of college basketball at the University of Drexel, Williams’ success is a testament not only to Kentucky Basketball’s immaculate tradition, but to his own incredible work ethic and intangible ability.

Cats fans will be sure to follow and support their point-center to the next level, as they always do. Go be great, Amari – all of BBN has your back.

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Men's Basketball

Koby Brea Selected to the Phoenix Suns With the No. 41 Overall Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

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Tristan Pharis | KY Insider

Koby Brea arrived at Kentucky last season as one of the nation’s deadliest shooters, lived up to the billing, and reaped his rewards on Thursday night at the NBA Draft. The former Kentucky star is heading to the Phoenix Suns with the No. 41 overall pick

As a 6-foot-7 wing, Brea entered the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most experienced prospects after spending four years at Dayton and a fifth at Kentucky during Mark Pope’s successful first season as head coach, where he became one of the best three-point shooters in all of college basketball.

Last season at Kentucky, the Bronx native averaged 11.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per game in 36 games, 16 of which were starts, showcasing his scoring ability in transition, off the catch, and via handoffs and screens.

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Not only did Brea achieve his own dreams of playing at the next level, but becomes a piece of history for Pope, becoming the first player drafted out of Kentucky during the Pope era.

Brea joins a rebuilding franchise with a notorious background for drafting Kentucky guards. Eric Bledsoe rings the bell, Tyler Ulis of course, and the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, Devin Booker obviously leads the pack.

Go be great Fuego!

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Men's Basketball

How a Call with Mark Pope Led Denzel Aberdeen to Kentucky

After winning a national title at Florida, Denzel Aberdeen committed to Kentucky without ever visiting campus—thanks to a revealing three-hour call with head coach Mark Pope.

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Chet White | UK Athletics

As a junior, Denzel Aberdeen was a key part of Florida’s national title run. But a certain phone conversation convinced him to leave his home state and head north to Lexington in hopes of experiencing that feeling once again.

He had never set foot in Lexington before deciding to become a Kentucky Wildcat — and he didn’t need to. All it took was one phone call — three hours long, on Easter Sunday — with head coach Mark Pope to convince him that he belonged in blue and white.

“Our phone call lasted about three hours, to be honest,” Aberdeen said, meeting with the media in Lexington for the first time earlier this week. “A lot of it was just getting to know me and getting to know the school, the university, getting to know him (Pope), how their style was, a lot of film. Once I saw that, I was like this looks like a great guy to play for.”

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The two went on to discuss Aberdeen’s role at Kentucky in more depth, including how Pope envisions him fitting into Kentucky’s new system — a system that, according to Aberdeen, is very similar, if not better than the one he just left.

“We had a lot of great players at Florida, especially the tall bigs. Bigs that love to run there, and we have just as much here; our bigs love to run, they play defense, and they play at a fast pace. So I think the things that we’ve got here are just as good, or even better,” Aberdeen said.

Averaging 7.7 points and nearly 20 minutes per game off the bench for the Gators last year, it’s clear to see what Aberdeen brings to the team: experience, versatility, calmness in the backcourt, and championship pedigree. Pope’s phone conversation with Aberdeen wasn’t just impactful on the court — it also speaks volumes to what he is doing off the court in pursuit of the goal he laid out in his introductory press conference: to hang banners.

This phone call wasn’t just about Denzel Aberdeen. It was a glimpse into Pope’s player-first, transparent coaching approach, which could define his era at Kentucky — and potentially make this season a special one, with Aberdeen playing another key role in a deep NCAA Tournament run.

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“I know the goal is to win No. 9,” he said. “I know the fans want that, we want that, all the staff and coaches want that. That pushes us. We know what we gotta do when we come here and put on that Kentucky jersey. Just playing for the University of Kentucky is a big thing. Being here is a blessing, and I can’t look back.”

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