With just hours left until the college basketball transfer portal closed, there was one final surprise. Kentucky guard Travis Perry entered the transfer portal.
As a true freshman last season, the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 2.7 points in 9.7 minutes per outing across 31 games, including four as a starter. He shot 36.6 percent from deep (15-41) during 18 SEC games.
A prolific prep star, Perry broke the long-time KHSAA scoring record during his junior season at Lyon County. The following year, he guided the Lyons to a Sweet 16 Title at Rupp Arena. He was named Mr. Kentucky Basketball after beating Trent Noah‘s Harlan County team in the title game, finishing his career with more than 5,000 points. Perry was the lone holdover from the John Calipari era and filled an unexpectedly important role as a true freshman under Pope.
Due to several injuries in the backcourt, Travis Perry was thrust into extended minutes at various points in the season. He started three straight games during the middle of SEC play, averaging 8.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in 27.3 minutes per outing. He also started for Kentucky during the Wildcats’ SEC Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Alabama, finishing with 11 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes.
Even though he was such a highly-regarded high school player in the state of Kentucky, it was unclear if he would pass muster for John Calipari. Before he ultimately committed to the Cats, Alabama, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Purdue, and Western Kentucky were heavily involved in his recruitment.
Travis Perry becomes just the second scholarship player to enter the transfer portal following Mark Pope’s first season. Kerr Kriisa transferred to Kentucky after missing most of his lone season in Lexington with a foot injury.
This is the second bit of surprising news for the 2025-26 backcourt. Acaden Lewis decommitted on April 11. It seemed to open up more opportunities for a player like Travis Perry. That may have changed when the Wildcats secured a commitment from Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen. Kentucky will have a crowded backcourt. Perry has chosen to seek other opportunities elsewhere.
The addition of Aberdeen solidified the roster for Mark Pope’s second season at Kentucky. Following Perry’s decision, there might be a change of plans.
Want more Kentucky Transfer Portal Coverage? Join KSR+
KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. In the middle of a busy transfer portal season for the Kentucky basketball and football programs, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Come join the club.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
