Praise for Pope

[blueheretic]

Not hitting the panic button.

I have already hit the "oh well, &%$@ it" button for the season.

[Pete Hogwallop]

This season has not been good. I still think we are better off than we were the last 5-7 years of Cal, though. If there isn't obvious improvement next year - unless half the team is lost to injury again - then it's time to start thinking about what's next.

[KentuckyWild2020]

3 Changes Mark Pope potentially could make to rejuvenate excitement and spark passion within himself and the fan-base.
1) General Manager - Derek Anderson
Coach Pope's former teammate and fellow 1996 National Champion.
Derek Anderson was an NBA and NCAA champion who has successfully transitioned to a career as a businessman, producer, author, and philanthropist since his retirement from basketball in 2008.
Business and Philanthropy Ventures
DA Enterprises: In Louisville, he invested millions of dollars and ran community programs through his company
Hospitality: He expanded his business life by opening two hotels in Turks & Caicos.
AOK App: A mobile application focused on acts of kindness and community engagement.
Media and Entertainment: Anderson founded his own film studio, Loyalty Media Group, and works as a producer and screenwriter. He has produced and directed the documentary The Untouchables of Kentucky.
Author and Speaker: He is an author and motivational speaker, promoting his book and "Stamina" brand.
Stamina Foundation: Through this non-profit organization founded with his wife Jamie, he works to support and empower underserved youth, particularly those facing homelessness, by providing education, mentorship, and wellness programs.
Advocacy: Anderson serves as the NBA Player Wellness Counselor, advocating for athletes' mental health.
Advisory Roles: He has joined the Board of Advisors for Draganfly, a drone technology company, to advocate for health assessment measures in schools and arenas.
Anderson's journey from growing up homeless to a successful career on and off the court serves as a powerful rags-to-riches story.
2) Director of Player Personnel and Development - John Wall
Combining legendary status with specific, high-level skills suitable for mentoring elite young talent. Wall, a 5-time NBA All-Star, is considered one of the most important players of the John Calipari era for revitalizing the program
Elite Player Development Credentials: As an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection (2015) and a former top-five pick known for elite speed, transition play, and passing (averaging over 10 assists per game from 2014-2017), Wall can provide elite, hands-on training, particularly for guards.
Mentor Potential: Following his 2025 retirement, multiple players who followed in his footsteps to Kentucky expressed his impact on them. He has already mentored current NBA talent, such as Rob Dillingham.
Deep Connection to Kentucky: Wall is a UK Athletics Hall of Famer (inducted 2017) who maintained a close relationship with the program after his 2009-10 season. He has shown loyalty to the school, returning for Big Blue Madness and games even after Calipari's departure.
Recruiting and Brand Power: Wall remains a "rock star" in the BBN (Big Blue Nation) community. His presence on staff would likely boost recruiting by connecting with young players who grew up watching him as one of the "coolest" players of his generation.
3) Assistant Coach - Rajon Rondo
Basketball Acumen: Rondo (2-time NBA Champ) is widely considered one of the smartest players ever coached by Doc Rivers and is known as one of the best "floor generals" in NBA history. His ability to read the game would be a significant asset to a coaching staff.
Kentucky Connection: Rondo is a Kentucky native who played for the Wildcats from 2004–2006 (Tubby Smith era) and recently finished his degree at the university. He has a strong connection to the program and a deep understanding of the "Kentucky basketball" culture and fan base.
Mentorship Potential: His experience as a two-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star would make him an unbelievable mentor for young college guards. He has already spoken to the current team about the value of sacrifice and playing for the name on the front of the jersey.
Coaching Experience: While he doesn't have extensive formal coaching experience, Rondo is working on the Milwaukee Bucks staff as a de facto assistant for the 2024-25 season, learning the ropes at the professional level. He had previously been linked to a potential student assistant role at Kentucky while working on his degree.

[blueheretic]

he finally beat Cal and did it @ark

[blueheretic]

This season has not been good. I still think we are better off than we were the last 5-7 years of Cal, though. If there isn't obvious improvement next year - unless half the team is lost to injury again - then it's time to start thinking about what's next.

Even I wasn't mean enough to turn this into a Pope hate thread. lolol

[Pete Hogwallop]

Pope beat two former UK coaches this year. Both wins as an underdog and neither at home.

[Limehouse]

It's sad that it's January and we already feel beaten down. Here's hoping this team can make a great run, but it'll be with duct tape and bubble gum, if it happens at all.

Pope was able to overcome an injury riddled roster last year and make a run to the Sweet 16. Hopefully, the bench will keep improving and we can make an even better run this year. Although, we're going to need a lot more luck than last year. Fingers crossed.

[Cawood86]

If by some wonderous chance Kam and JQ return, UK could have a more favorable chance to make some noise down the stretch.

[blueheretic]

Pope hasn't lost a game since Saturday.

[Catsrock]

^^^ That loss felt really good though didn’t it

[GOCAT15]

If by some wonderous chance Kam and JQ return, UK could have a more favorable chance to make some noise down the stretch.

I would be extremely surprised if we see JQ on the floor ever again. They'll take their money and will continue to rehab until it's time to start working out for the draft.

For one game, it looks like Pope was a genius bringing him in, knowing the risk, unfortunately it didn't pan out.

I really hope I'm wrong though.

[South jones]

Nothing wrong with.this team that good aggressive defensive and making shots won't cure.
games they have lost reflect this as well as the games won have had positive results

[Simple_Man]

This team is not a bunch of guys that can just show up and win.They need to bring the intensity and urgency every game.Hopefully they learned a valuable lesson from the Vandy game and bring the effort win or lose for the remainder of the season.

[JFCats22]

Pope should get credit for the big wins but should also get blasted for the nonsense like at Vandy.

But, how long does he get to scrape by being mediocre? The excuse last year was he didn't have enough time to really recruit a great team. This year it's the injuries (even though they sucked when healthy). What will it be next year?

I'm in the boat that this job is too big for him and he will never have huge success here. He can't recruit studs and his coaching is suspect. I could maybe be talked into one more year (reluctantly) but I am not tolerating another mediocre, 5th or 6th place SEC finish, getting annihilated multiple times and one or two NCAA wins.

[bthaunert]

Pope should get credit for the big wins but should also get blasted for the nonsense like at Vandy.

But, how long does he get to scrape by being mediocre? The excuse last year was he didn't have enough time to really recruit a great team. This year it's the injuries (even though they sucked when healthy). What will it be next year?

I'm in the boat that this job is too big for him and he will never have huge success here. He can't recruit studs and his coaching is suspect. I could maybe be talked into one more year (reluctantly) but I am not tolerating another mediocre, 5th or 6th place SEC finish, getting annihilated multiple times and one or two NCAA wins.

He gets next year imo. Assuming this year plays out out how we think it will and if next year is another Sweet 16 or less, I think he needs to be shown the door.