Trent Perry’s ascent in the world of basketball is a story woven with more than just raw skill; it’s a narrative of steadfast encouragement and backing from his parents, Troy Perry II and Jessica Oliva.
Trent Perry has quickly established himself as one of college basketball’s most exciting young players.
Born on January 8, 2005, in West Covina, California, Perry attended Harvard-Westlake School, where he earned Mission League MVP honors twice and averaged an impressive 18.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game as a senior.
His standout high school career earned him California Gatorade Player of the Year, California Mr. Basketball, and a spot in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game.
Perry initially committed to USC but decommitted after head coach Andy Enfield departed for SMU. He then signed with his dream school, UCLA.
After entering his freshman year as a reserve guard, Perry broke out as a sophomore in the 2025–26 season.
He scored a career-high 30 points against Penn State. Then, in UCLA’s Big Ten tournament quarterfinal against Michigan State, he came through when it mattered most, scoring 22 points and helping his team secure the win. It’s clear he’s a player who rises to the occasion.
Trent Perry Attributes His Growth On and Off the Court to His Parents’ Support
Trent Perry is the son of Troy Perry II and Jessica Oliva. The couple raised Trent and his sister, Tahlia Perry, in West Covina, California, and both have played a central role in shaping who Trent is — not just as a basketball player, but as a person.
Basketball runs deep in the family’s DNA. Trent’s older cousin, Sean Marshall, had a decorated career at Boston College from 2004 to 2007 and went on to play professionally overseas until 2020.
Troy Perry II brings a wealth of experience to his roles as a father and mentor.
He’s currently the Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Banker at Bank of America, a position he’s held since April 2022.
His finance career stretches back more than ten years, with stints at Banc of California, Bank of Southern California, California Bank & Trust, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.
Troy earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Washington. While there, he also played college football, earning two letters, and later, he played professional arena football.
That athletic background has clearly influenced how Troy approaches Trent’s development.
He understands what it takes to compete at a high level, and he has passed that mindset on to his son.
Trent has often credited his father’s words in postgame interviews. One of Troy’s favorite pieces of advice, which Trent has quoted directly:
“There’s always going to be bumps in the road. But no matter what, you keep grinding, and everything is going to take care of itself.”
That philosophy has become a guiding principle for Trent throughout his career.
Jessica Oliva has been just as integral to Trent’s journey. Together with Troy, she has provided the emotional foundation that keeps Trent grounded through the highs and lows of competitive basketball.
Trent has spoken openly about how both parents raised him to push through adversity and maintain a positive outlook regardless of circumstances.
After a breakout performance against Penn State in January 2026, Trent specifically credited both parents for the confidence boost he needed heading into that game.
He recalled their consistent message:
“Just stay confident, things are going to come your way, keep playing defense, keep being enthusiastic, and the offense will come.”
That night, their advice translated directly into one of his best collegiate performances.
The Perry family approaches major decisions together. When Trent was weighing a potential transfer to a prep powerhouse like Prolific Prep or Wasatch Academy, his father advised him to stay at Harvard-Westlake School.
That decision, made around the family dinner table with high school coach David Rebibo also involved, turned out to be transformative.
Trent later reflected that staying at Harvard-Westlake was the moment “everything took off.”
The same family-first approach guided Trent’s college recruitment. UCLA had always been his dream school, and his parents were active participants in every conversation during the process — from his initial commitment to USC to his eventual signing with the Bruins.
Throughout it all, Troy and Jessica have remained, in Trent’s own words, with him “every step of the way.”
