When Lamont Butler suffered an ankle injury, fans expected to see Travis Perry, the highly-touted true freshman and local high school star, step into the spotlight. Yet, that moment never came. Even after Kerr Kriisa was sidelined during the Gonzaga game, Perry only played a brief two minutes. Many began to wonder if Kentucky head coach Mark Pope saw something the fans didn’t—perhaps Perry simply wasn’t ready.
The Colgate game, with both Butler and Kriisa unavailable, seemed like the perfect opportunity for Perry to log significant minutes. He entered early when Kentucky was up 12-0 but was quickly subbed out when Colgate began mounting a comeback. During that stretch, Perry and fellow freshman Collin Chandler struggled, prompting Pope to bring the starters back in to stabilize the game.
Perry’s performance during his time on the court revealed some clear reasons why Pope has been cautious about giving him extended minutes.
Game Speed vs. Practice Speed
In practice, Perry has impressed with his shooting and effort. However, game situations are a different beast. Against Colgate, Perry appeared rushed, going 0-for-4 from the field, including 0-for-3 from beyond the arc. He was constantly working to keep up with the pace of play, often compensating with hustle rather than instinct. Like many true freshmen, Perry struggled with the transition from practice speed to game speed, where decisions must be quicker, and reactions more precise.
To reach the next level, Perry needs more high-pressure reps in practice and games to acclimate to the faster pace.
Force vs. Flow
Perry’s desire to make an impact was evident, but it often worked against him. Instead of playing naturally, he forced plays, opting for flashy passes and hurried shots. Unlike the smooth shooting stroke fans saw during his three-point contest win at Big Blue Madness, his shots against Colgate looked rushed and strained. This tendency to push instead of letting the game come to him disrupted his rhythm and effectiveness.
The Path Forward
Perry clearly has potential, and Coach Pope has emphasized his talent. However, the transition to college basketball is a process, and Perry is still in the early stages of adjusting to the speed and flow of the game. He needs time to develop comfort and confidence in live-action scenarios, allowing him to play naturally without overthinking or forcing his game.
While Perry isn’t ready to take on a significant role yet, that’s perfectly normal for a true freshman. With time, practice, and patience, he can develop into the player Kentucky fans expect him to be. For now, it’s about building toward that moment, one rep at a time.
