Vicky Graff Photo
It was so Mark Pope that it did not surprise me. It might have surprised others who didn’t have a chance to get to know him when he played at UK for two seasons for coach Rick Pitino and was captain of the 1996 national championship team.
Pope was saying all the right things and thanking the right people at his introductory press conference in front of a capacity crowd at Rupp Arena Sunday when his infectious energy took over.
“Guys, I cannot wait any longer for this. Please join me in a little C-A-T-S C-A-T-S. 1, 2, 3, C-A-T-S, please. Stand up and let’s go. I need your help here. Can we do this, please?” the new UK basketball coach said to the UK fans. “1,2,3. Cats,CatsCats, Cats! Ohhhhhh, Cats, Cats, Cats, Cats! Ohhhhhhh, C-A-T-S. Cats Cats Cats! Thank you,” Pope said as the crowd exploded.
He was just warming up. His wife and four daughters were at Sunday’s press conference with him and he told a story about his daughter, Layla.
“This is 100 percent a true story. When Mitch offered us a job he gave us a couple of hours to consult our family. We didn’t need it. He knew I would walk here to take this job,” Pope said. “But as we gathered the girls from all of the various places, Layla Pope walks in the door, and I kid you not, her first words were, she knows the deal, ‘Tell me who is in the house tonight, UK.’ She did exactly that, exactly that. True story,” Pope said.
Two other daughters, Avery and Shay, went into the basement and managed to find an “Untouchables” T-shirt. That was a nickname I used for coach Rick Pitino’s 1995-96 team because it basically was “untouchable” all season.
“Ella is my oldest daughter, and she knows me the best and my history the best. And her only question was, ‘Dad, when are we going?’” Pope said.
His wife, Lee Ann, was also quickly on board with the move to Kentucky because she understood the passion he had for UK.
“You don’t need to know this, but I will say it anyway because I can, I’m madly in love with this woman. She makes sense of my life. I’m so grateful for her,” Pope said. “And you will quickly find out, she will get to know every single one of you and love you like crazy. It will be really special, okay?
9 Responses
I know what he has been through. I have 4 daughters myself. I am now totally immune to drama!!!
It is great to see the love and support that he has from his family. Also great to hear him openly express his love for his wife. Kind of reminds me of another family that we discussed here a few weeks ago
Can’t wait to get me some barbecued razorback. Welcome back coach, we’re all pulling for ya to get us back into the bright lights… Keep the faith….
Out with the dope, in with the Pope. Calipari will be a good hog. He has experience as a publicity hog, athletic budget hog, etc.
BBN needs to get away from worshipping their Big Blue Idol. UK BB is NOT that important.
You are on a roll Ed
Let’s be realistic about expectations…the first year or two maybe difficult for BBN…Coach Pope will have to get ahead of recruiting and the transfer portal for the program to excel, but for now, let’s temper our expectations…I hope it happens quicker than I foresee but he has to “undo” years of stagnation from Calapari and it will take some time…I encourage all of BBN to allow this to happen for the program’s sake….all of BBN is in this together…
Very good point! With the transfer portal, I can see us being very competitive/good right away, but I can also see this taking a couple of years. All the true and intelligent UK fans know this and and will be patient and give him a chance.
Agree with you both. Pope will not only need time to get the right players but to instill his culture. I love what I’m hearing from him. So much more approachable than I ever expected. Good luck Coach!
Next six weeks or so will be very interesting David