In a surprising move for Big Blue Nation, freshman guard Travis Perry, Kentucky’s all-time high school basketball scoring leader, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, effectively ending his tenure with the Kentucky Wildcats after just one season. The announcement, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and confirmed by multiple sources, marks a significant shift for the in-state star who was once heralded as a cornerstone of Kentucky’s future.
Perry, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Eddyville, Kentucky, joined the Wildcats in 2024 as a four-star recruit and the 2024 Kentucky Mr. Basketball. His high school career at Lyon County was nothing short of legendary, where he amassed a state-record 5,381 points, ranking seventh nationally all-time according to MaxPreps. Perry led Lyon County to a KHSAA state championship in 2024, earning Sweet 16 MVP honors with a 27-point performance in the title game. His decision to stay home and play for Kentucky, under then-coach John Calipari, was celebrated as a triumph for the Wildcats, who beat out offers from Alabama, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, and Western Kentucky.
However, Perry’s freshman season in Lexington didn’t unfold as many had hoped. Appearing in 31 games with four starts, Perry averaged 2.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 9.7 minutes per game, shooting 31.3% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range. Despite flashes of potential, particularly in games against top-25 opponents like Texas A&M and Tennessee, Perry struggled to secure consistent minutes in a crowded backcourt. The Wildcats, under first-year coach Mark Pope, faced significant injury challenges, forcing Perry into action earlier than anticipated. He delivered career-highs of eight points against Tennessee and six points in his first start at Texas, showcasing his sharpshooting ability and high basketball IQ.
Perry’s decision to enter the portal comes just before the April 22, 2025, transfer portal deadline, a date that has loomed large for Kentucky’s roster decisions. While Perry was the only player from Calipari’s 2024 recruiting class to stay with Kentucky after Calipari’s departure to Arkansas, his limited role under Pope’s system likely influenced his choice to explore new opportunities. Sources indicate that Perry, with three years of eligibility remaining, is seeking a program where he can secure a more prominent role.
The departure is a blow to Kentucky fans, who saw Perry as a homegrown talent in the mold of former Wildcat Reed Sheppard. Reactions from Big Blue Nation reflect a mix of disappointment and support, with fans wishing Perry well in his next chapter.
Kentucky’s roster for the 2025-26 season remains in flux, with key players like Otega Oweh and Brandon Garrison still weighing NBA Draft decisions. However, the Wildcats are bolstered by incoming top-35 recruits Jasper Johnson, and Malachi Moreno, as well as transfer wing Kam Williams. Perry’s exit leaves a gap in the backcourt, but Pope’s staff is reportedly active in the portal.
As Travis Perry embarks on the next phase of his basketball journey, his legacy as a Kentucky high school icon remains untarnished. Wherever he lands, the sharpshooting guard’s knack for clutch performances and his deep connection to the Bluegrass State will undoubtedly follow. For now, Kentucky fans are left to reflect on what might have been, while Perry looks to find a new home to showcase his undeniable talent.
