Moreno on Pope: “We’re going to change a lot”

[Helix]

An article on KSR this morning quotes Moreno as saying that when he called Pope to say that he, Moreno, was returning to play for the Cats next year, Pope was excited (I can only imagine!) and said at some point during the call, again according to Moreno, that “we’re going to be dangerous, and we’re going to change a lot” — italics mine.

Would love to know what those changes are. Perhaps some hard lessons were learned last year.

[UKHoops01]

Pope speaks in hyperbolic terms almost extensively. He has a tendency to try to make things sound somewhat dramatic and overly exciting and optimistic. Some coaches like to downplay things to temper expectations, Pope does just the opposite. We'll see what actually comes to fruition, but based off of last year "change" is definitely something that is needed

[bucsrule8872]

As long as the change is to win more games, I am on board. LOL!

[South jones]

Pope speaks in hyperbolic terms almost extensively. He has a tendency to try to make things sound somewhat dramatic and overly exciting and optimistic. Some coaches like to downplay things to temper expectations, Pope does just the opposite. We'll see what actually comes to fruition, but based off of last year "change" is definitely something that is needed

I agree. Changes like our perimeter defense playing 5 ft off their shooters or letting their big man catch the ball 3 ft from the basket. Maybe learning how to block out for rebounding position.
yeah, there are a.lot of things that need to change from last year

[WeWant9]

Pope speaks in hyperbolic terms almost extensively. He has a tendency to try to make things sound somewhat dramatic and overly exciting and optimistic. Some coaches like to downplay things to temper expectations, Pope does just the opposite. We'll see what actually comes to fruition, but based off of last year "change" is definitely something that is needed

Yeah, actions speak louder than words. I am glad he is saying that, but at the same time he was trying to sell BBN on how UK was moving in the right direction- after a very, very mediocre season.

[EKYCat]

Pope speaks in hyperbolic terms almost extensively. He has a tendency to try to make things sound somewhat dramatic and overly exciting and optimistic. Some coaches like to downplay things to temper expectations, Pope does just the opposite. We'll see what actually comes to fruition, but based off of last year "change" is definitely something that is needed

Well said.

[ganner918]

I imagine we'll play a LOT differently than last year, just due to the players we have vs then. We have guys who can drive and score an set others up, we have guys who can shoot, we have guys who can score inside. I feel very good about our ability to put the ball in the basket. Can we defend and rebound?

[South jones]

Defense and rebounding were major issues. Last year. Can Pope or his coaches teach this?
if fans on this forum can see these issues why can't the coaching staff see and correct them.

[Pobilly]

Pope saying "Change a Lot" Can mean so many things. Coaching changes and such. It is like saying eventually when someone asks when.

That being said. Pope first should get with a sports psychologist. For himself. To present himself more confident in all situations. 2nd will be getting his players all on the same page. We need all 14 guys to buy in to the style, offense and defense. Then he needs to make sure they show when the ball is tipped at the start of the game. Rebounding is one of the biggest concerns. 2 years and both fails rebounding years for the most part. He needs to crack the stats and look at where really competitive teams are in terms of rank on offense and defense. Not one but both. If we can be a top 8 offense and a top 15 defense we have a chance to go a long way. Do I see that with this group, it is possible. Williams is really good defender and I think all 3 new guards can be disruptive on defense. Question is Moreno being an elite middle stopper and Mil Mo being above average on defense. Also need to have no drop off or not much of a drop off when the subs come in.

[Cawood86]

Changes.....like a rim protector....a good 4 man that can shoot....very good backcourt....we shall see

[BJD]

Pope can’t coach. It doesn’t matter what lip service he gives. He is just not a good coach.

[KentuckyWild2020]

Pope can’t coach. It doesn’t matter what lip service he gives. He is just not a good coach.

I actually think he can. i think the first season he was trying to figure out the SEC and then changed how he recruited and coached in the second year to realize it ain't worth a sh$$, I hope he gets back to his pace and space fast past style.

I still don't understand his sub patterns at times but last year it's almost like he had no control of the team, that team has some bad actors in my opinion.

Anyways, lesson learned, he actually needed to fail in order to learn, let's just hope he does. If not, he can get the boot , I don't have the patience as a fan to wait another 5 years while we rebuild in a new system that makes every team re build year to year...

It's make or break this year for me with Pope.

I actually hope he does succeed, the passion the love for Kentucky and all that is Good is there off the court but unfortunately, it's on the court that counts and it's been a long time since we have been a force in college basketball, I am ready....