Mark Pope Officially Becomes UK's 23rd Basketball Coach

[Joneslab]

A lot of Pope talk going on in disparate threads, so I just thought I'd start The One.

The Pope Era has officially begun per UK.

[justafan]

Let the fun begin!

[justafan]

“The University of Kentucky is the pinnacle of coaching in college basketball. It’s the definition of blueblood program where hanging a banner is the expectation ever year,” Pope said. “Equally as important, UK changed my life forever as a human being. The love and passion I have for this program, this University and the people of the Commonwealth goes to the depth of my soul.

“I’m thankful to Dr. (Eli) Capilouto and Mitch Barnhart for this opportunity. I’m proud to be your next head coach and I can’t wait to do this together!”

[Joneslab]

What was that basketball documentary that aired back in the day Pope featured in? Can't remember what it was, but it showed Pope going to medical school as he was playing for a team, probably the Bucks. I'm sure it was on ESPN but I can't remember quite what it was.

Pope had a starring role in that, iirc.

[JFCats22]

I hate this hire right now. I hope I have to eat crow in 6, 9, 12 months and he kills it. I just feel like he's starting in such a hole it's going to be tough.

I wish Pope the best and wish Mitch the worst.

[justafan]

Any coach coming I was starting in the same hole.

Wishing Mitch the worst is counter to the first. If Pope is successful, Mitch looks like a genius. The only way for Mitch to look bad is if Pope fails. Mitch threw the checkbook at Hurley (and probably at Drew) and they rejected UK. At some point you need to read the room.

[fastkat]

I hate this hire right now. I hope I have to eat crow in 6, 9, 12 months and he kills it. I just feel like he's starting in such a hole it's going to be tough.

I wish Pope the best and wish Mitch the worst.

I don't see how he's starting in a hole. Only four significant players have declared or entered the portal and he has 4 mil for NIL. I really think we see Reed Shepherd come back.

[Uncle Dave]

Not a home run hire(or a stand up double for that matter), but I'm super excited for the first time in a while. He has the opportunity of a life time staring him in the face. I hope he does well.

[Joneslab]

Interestingly Pope played a little like Big Z when he was here. Not saying that'll mean anything because I always thought Cal and Big Z had a great relationship, but it is kinda interesting.

I expect maybe Sheppard and one more (Burks possibly) to stay...but you might get somebody like Ugo. God knows there's going to be a ton of playing time available.

Can't see DJ Wagner not only because of the connection to Cal, but also Pope doesn't really play a Wagner-conducive style.

[Sean]

I don't see how he's starting in a hole. Only four significant players have declared or entered the portal and he has 4 mil for NIL. I really think we see Reed Shepherd come back.

I hope Reed does not sacrifice NBA money for his Dad's friend.

[Uncle Dave]

Call MKG and BEG him to be part of the staff.

[Los Gatos]

BYU's kenpom numbers: Offence 119.8, Defence 99.9. Very similar to UK's numbers.

[Ukatfan]

I hope Reed does not sacrifice NBA money for his Dad's friend.

As much as I would love to see Reed back at UK, I agree, his stock in the NBA will not get any higher with the quality of this years draft. I wish Coach Pope the best and hope he has the insight to bring some assistant coaches that can bring in elite talent.

[Joneslab]

As much as I would love to see Reed back at UK, I agree, his stock in the NBA will not get any higher with the quality of this years draft. I wish Coach Pope the best and hope he has the insight to bring some assistant coaches that can bring in elite talent.

All due respect, we're a college basketball program. I'm tired of talking about draft stock. UCONN just went out there and historically dominated with probably two guys, three at the most, who will ever get on an NBA court. And honestly probably only one guy who might make it to a second contract.

We've been conditioned to think about the NBA and the draft and how much money these players can make or how much they're losing by staying. It's a kind of brainwashing. Kentucky should be about college basketball, period. We have to change our mentality when we think about players and I think, slowly, we will.

It'd be different if we were still in an era where you couldn't win without elite freshmen. That's simply not the case right now.

[Lighthouse]

This hire is growing on me and I'm beginning to get excited. Coach Pope's comment about our Program is what we've been missing, and his love for Kentucky is special.