Pope has decisions to make and soon

[EKYCat]

Agreed. I think it works itself out next year. Either he fields a competitive team that is up to UK standards, or this time next year we are all posting our coaching wish lists again.

My prediction is the latter but hoping for the former!

[BlueBlood]

I think that most Kentucky fans want Coach Pope to be successful at Kentucky. We shall see how next year plays out.

[Trueblujr]

Do you think Jasper J could improve enough to be the back-up point guard?

Maybe, but not likely. I think he's a shooting guard, just a little undersized for the two. he plays too out of control and has a score first mentality. We had to break Aberdeen of that mentality somewhat, but he was still playing out of position. I could see Johnson taking on a lot of the minutes Aberdeen leaves behind if he can stick to playing the 2.

[Trueblujr]

I think that most Kentucky fans want Coach Pope to be successful at Kentucky. We shall see how next year plays out.

Well I don't think anyone at all out there wants to see Popes legacy end on a negative note, which is sadly where this all may lead.

[WeWant9]

Maybe, but not likely. I think he's a shooting guard, just a little undersized for the two. he plays too out of control and has a score first mentality. We had to break Aberdeen of that mentality somewhat, but he was still playing out of position. I could see Johnson taking on a lot of the minutes Aberdeen leaves behind if he can stick to playing the 2.

Jasper is a product of bad AAU and Overtime Elite (is that still a thing?) ball. If he can be honest with himself and focus on putting some muscle on this summer, he could have a decent jump from freshman to sophomore year. If he just wants to listen to family and friends blowing smoke, he’ll look exactly the same next year, wherever he is playing.

[South jones]

Seems like i recall when Cal came in the 1st thing he did was clean out a lot of the players that Billy G had recruited. I think some of this has to happen now but i don't think Pope can or will do it.
My concern is that those that need to go will stay and those that need to stay will leave.

[EKYCat]

Seems like i recall when Cal came in the 1st thing he did was clean out a lot of the players that Billy G had recruited. I think some of this has to happen now but i don't think Pope can or will do it.
My concern is that those that need to go will stay and those that need to stay will leave.

The difference here is these are all Pope guys. A lot easier to run off people you didn't ask to come.

[Matt Dillon]

Keeping in mind that coach Pope's future will be determined by the next AD, my barber asked me this morning what I thought it would take to keep coach Pope around after next season. I told him at a minimum an Elite Eight appearance. What do you all think?

[Pete Hogwallop]

Keeping in mind that coach Pope's future will be determined by the next AD, my barber asked me this morning what I thought it would take to keep coach Pope around after next season. I told him at a minimum an Elite Eight appearance. What do you all think?

I think there might be other benchmarks that are included in the decision. For example, if we only lose a few games, maybe win the conference or conference tourney and then get upset in the Sweet 16, I doubt he gets let go. So it would be some combination of a really strong tourney showing, a really good win total and conference results that would all play a factor.

[WeWant9]

Keeping in mind that coach Pope's future will be determined by the next AD, my barber ask me this morning what I thought it would take to keep coach Pope around after next season. I told him at a minimum an Elite Eight appearance. What do you all think?

For me personally, it starts right now. Can he recruit and bring in the needed elite talent to be at the top? That can come from hs, portal, g-league, overseas, wherever. Stay consistently ranked throughout the year somewhere in the top 10, top 15 range. That would mean UK won more of the big ooc games and is more than likely one of the top SEC teams. UK should be starting the SECT on Friday, no Thursday games and absolutely never again playing on Wednesday. Also, no more blow out losses.

I would say for the regular season we'd need a top ~10 finish, a top 4 SEC team with a legit shot at winning it all, and then a 1-3 NCAAT seed. I am hesitant to put a hard line of how far one goes in the NCAAT, as we have seen extremely talented teams get upset in a single game elimination tournament.

[EKYCat]

Keeping in mind that coach Pope's future will be determined by the next AD, my barber ask me this morning what I thought it would take to keep coach Pope around after next season. I told him at a minimum an Elite Eight appearance. What do you all think?

If this year hadn't gone like it did I think he'd have a little longer leash but next year is time to put up or shut up. There is a lot that needs to happen for UK to get back to where it should be. We haven't won the regular season SEC championship since 2020 and haven't won the SEC Tournament since 2018. Pope needs to get us to where we're not playing in the SEC Tournament on Wednesday, or Thursday for that matter. For him to keep his job next year I think he has to finish somewhere in the 24-7 area in the regular season and a minimum of a Sweet 16. I don't think those are unrealistic expectations, especially for someone who says he understands the assignment.

[UKHoops01]

Keeping in mind that coach Pope's future will be determined by the next AD, my barber asked me this morning what I thought it would take to keep coach Pope around after next season. I told him at a minimum an Elite Eight appearance. What do you all think?

Personally, I'd like to see more/better, but isn't there a provision written into Pope's contract (thanks, Barnhardt - sarcasm) that guarantees him another year if he reaches the Sweet Sixteen?

[TrueblueCATfan]

IMO Mark Pope should get John Robic back at UK
Remember after he left is when things fell apart at UK

[Matt Dillon]

Personally, I'd like to see more/better, but isn't there a provision written into Pope's contract (thanks, Barnhardt - sarcasm) that guarantees him another year if he reaches the Sweet Sixteen?

There's such a thing as firing someone and paying the buy-out.

[Matt Dillon]

IMO Mark Pope should get John Robic back at UK
Remember after he left is when things fell apart at UK

I agree 100% on both comments.