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Kentucky coach Mark Pope certainly enjoyed his first statewide radio show Monday night and probably most BBN fans did as well when they heard him tell Tom Leach on how he plans to build a roster that can win a national championship.
“What we’re really most importantly looking for is — we’re looking for great players with epic talent that can go hang a banner and that fit what Kentucky stands for,” Pope said.
Note the emphasis on great players who “fit what Kentucky stands for.” Kentucky fans like that.
Pope said fitting that Kentucky standard is not easy and that recruiting will be a “very selective process” for him.
“I don’t think it’s just about going out and getting the most raw talent. I think it’s about going out and getting the pieces that can fit together to form a team that is elite and dangerous,” Pope said. “Teams are complicated, it’s like a perfectly put-together stew. There’s a real artistry to it and that’s what we’re pursuing.”
That’s a bit different approach than former coach John Calipari had. He always insisted he would take “talent over experience.” However, this does not mean Pope is opposed to adding highly ranked players like UK fans are accustomed to having on the roster. He said he’s also “recruiting some guys that have been floating around this program.” and that “all doors are open right now” even though Zvonimir Ivisic and Aaron Bradshaw have already transferred, DJ Wagner is in the transfer portal and Ugonna Onyenso is turning pro.
Pope will also look to the transfer portal for “veteran leadership and experience.” He would like to add a veteran player with a “voice that can heard” by teammates. He wants players who can hold teammates accountable.
“The strength of the team is when you have internal leadership and guys who are willing, bold, and care enough to hold each other accountable,” Pope said.
8 Responses
Collin Chandler! 21 year old freshman!!!
That’s what we need!!!
Not 17 years old!
The portal has changed everything when it comes to recruiting. Many high school phenoms struggle or bomb out in college. The portal presents an experienced player with proven performance. There are only so many Anthony Davis type kids ever. Give me the kid who has shown he can play. This means fewer scholarships for high schoolers and less playing time if they do get one, unless they are an Anthony Davis type kid. Reed Sheppard was one of those kids and Travis Perry may very well be one too. Portal kids will want big NIL money. Schools that have that type of support will ultimately have the best teams from now on. Filling out the roster with high schoolers will be like a college G league. Coaches with a penchant for developing kids will get stabbed in the back when those kids leave that team and go to the portal for the money.
The portal giveith and the portal takeith….seems to be more takeith for UK BB and FB.
yes it does Mike
Sounds like the Unforgettables! Nothing like a lot of Kentucky HS standouts wearing a UK jersey!
“The strength of the team is when you have internal leadership and guys who are willing, bold and care enough to hold each other accountable,” Pope said.
That’s how Pitino did it. Mostly Kentucky kids that played their hearts out.
I don’t know how many wins we’ll have this year but I bet we get the majority of the 50/50 balls.
Pope said he will fill his roster with a combination of elite talent, 4 years players, and portal players. That is exactly what Danny Hurley said he is doing at UConn. BTW, Hurley would not have been a good fit here. He would have won, but he would not have had the passion for this program that the fan base demands. In his first 4 years at UConn, they did not even make the NCAA tourney. Scott Drew would have been an excellent hire, but Pope was the perfect hire for this program. Thank you Mitch! Go Cats!!!