Tubby Smith Calls for Kentucky to Push Hard for Ament and Applauds Trent Noah’s Performance
In the aftermath of Kentucky’s hard-fought battle against Tennessee, former Wildcats head coach Tubby Smith didn’t mince words when discussing the team’s future. Speaking candidly about Kentucky’s forward depth and long-term prospects, Smith emphasized why the program must push aggressively to land elite recruit Nate Ament while also applauding Trent Noah’s performance and potential.
Ament: A Must-Have for Kentucky’s Future
Smith, who led Kentucky to a national championship in 1998, knows what it takes to build a championship-caliber roster. His stance on Nate Ament is clear: “You don’t pass up a guy like him. If Kentucky wants to be back in the Final Four conversation, they need Ament.”
At 6’9” with guard-like skills, Ament is a game-changer. His ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal modern-day forward. Kentucky has often relied on versatile wings to succeed, and Ament fits that mold perfectly. His ability to impact the game offensively and defensively makes him one of the most valuable prospects on the market.
Smith highlighted a key issue that has plagued Kentucky in recent years: lack of skilled size on the wing. “We’ve seen Kentucky struggle against teams with elite wing play. Ament brings that combination of size, skill, and IQ that can neutralize those matchups.”
Trent Noah’s Breakout Performance & Long-Term Fit
While Ament remains a target for the Wildcats, Trent Noah has already proven his value. Against Tennessee, Noah showed why he belongs in the conversation as one of Kentucky’s most important pieces moving forward. The 6’6” forward displayed his ability to shoot from deep, battle inside, and make smart plays in transition—a skill set that Kentucky desperately needs in its forward rotation.
Smith was particularly impressed with Noah’s composure and willingness to compete against top-tier SEC talent. “That kid plays with confidence and toughness. Kentucky’s always been at its best when it has guys who aren’t afraid to take big shots and play physical. Trent Noah brings that.”
With Noah proving to be a capable shooter and defender, pairing him with Ament would give Kentucky one of the most complete forward duos in the country.
Building Forward Depth for a Championship Run
One of Smith’s biggest takeaways from the Tennessee game was that Kentucky still lacks forward depth, something that could become an issue in deep tournament runs. “If you want to win in March, you need depth. You need guys who can stretch the floor and create their own shot. Ament and Noah give you that flexibility.”
By pushing hard for Ament, Kentucky could secure a long-term wing rotation that rivals some of the best in college basketball. Ament’s versatility would allow Kentucky to play big or small, while Noah’s emerging skill set makes him an invaluable piece on both ends of the floor. Together, they could reshape the Wildcats’ identity—one built on athleticism, shooting, and defensive toughness.
Final Thoughts
Tubby Smith’s words carry weight, and his assessment is hard to ignore. Kentucky must do everything possible to land Nate Ament, while also continuing to develop Trent Noah into a major contributor. If the Wildcats succeed in pairing these two dynamic forwards, they could reestablish themselves as a powerhouse program capable of contending for national titles once again.
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