Travis Perry, the 2024 Kentucky Mr. Basketball and the state’s all-time leading high school scorer, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after a challenging freshman season with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Despite his storied high school career, Perry’s transition to college basketball was marked by limited playing time and a crowded backcourt, leading to his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
High School Stardom
Perry’s high school tenure at Lyon County was nothing short of historic. He led the Lyons to their first-ever KHSAA state championship, earning MVP honors with a standout 27-point performance in the title game at Rupp Arena. Averaging 32.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 4.7 steals per game as a senior, he concluded his high school career with 5,481 points — the highest in Kentucky history and seventh nationally.
Freshman Year at Kentucky
Choosing to stay in-state, Perry joined the Wildcats with high expectations. However, under new head coach Mark Pope, he found himself in a limited role, averaging 2.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 9.8 minutes per game over 31 appearances, including four starts.
Injuries to key players like Kerr Kriisa and Lamont Butler provided Perry with increased opportunities, but he struggled to secure a consistent spot in the rotation.
Decision to Transfer
Despite initially indicating a desire to return for his sophomore season, Perry entered the transfer portal just before the deadline. The arrival of new guards Jaland Lowe, Kam Williams, Denzel Aberdeen, and Jasper Johnson further crowded the backcourt, making playing time even more competitive.
Perry’s departure opens up a scholarship spot for Kentucky as they continue to reshape their roster under Coach Pope.
Interest from Other Programs
Perry’s entry into the transfer portal has attracted attention from several programs, including Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisville, Ole Miss, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Iowa, Georgia, Missouri, LSU, Western Kentucky, and South Carolina. His proven scoring ability and experience make him a valuable addition for teams seeking backcourt depth.
As Perry explores his options, his journey underscores the challenges that even the most decorated high school players can face when transitioning to the collegiate level.
