Vicky Graff Photo
Mark Pope continues to not only spread his brand at Kentucky but also say what seems like the perfect thing.
Pope was on ESPN’s SportsCenter Wednesday and talked a little about what it was like replacing Hall of Famer John Calipari. Pope understands the many highs that Calipari had, especially early in his career. He wants fans to appreciate what Calipari did as he builds his program at Kentucky.
“Well, there’s a saying in coaching, especially in college basketball: you never follow (former UCLA coach) John Wooden. We’re so appreciative of everything John Calipari did. I’m a diehard Kentucky fan as well as a former player, now head coach. John revolutionized a lot of things in the way recruiting is done and style of play in college basketball,” Pope said.
“What he did at Kentucky is really incredible and we’re all so grateful for that. We can’t wait to move forward and keep chasing these banners.”
Pope won a national championship banner at UK in 1996 and knows Kentucky fans are eager for more banners even though he has to completely rebuild the roster after Calipari’s departure.
“I think the first step is knowing what the assignment is, right? We talked about this in the press conference, it’s tradition and it’s universal that when you accept a new head coaching job, you try and manage expectations and kind of set an achievable standard,” Pope said on SportsCenter. “That just doesn’t exist at the University of Kentucky.
“There’s one standard and it never changes. If you hang banners, you’re successful and if you don’t, you’re not. That’s one of the things that makes this place special, knowing that going in and embracing that going in is really a part of what we do.”
Pope was asked about the overflow crowd at Sunday’s introductory press conference/pep rally at Rupp Arena.
“It’s amazing. I say this all the time, especially recruiting for the last few days, but I don’t know anywhere else that you can go and work hard with a team and hang a banner, then walk back into the gym 30 years later and that’s the reception you get,” Pope said.
“That is unique to BBN and the Kentucky faithful. It’s just an amazing program to be a part of. There’s nothing like it.”
6 Responses
His class act continues. Very wise.
Success is on its way.
Patience is needed.
I want #9 in ‘25 but realize we have to be realistic.
Toughest thing right now is trying to be patient and let things play out as they hopefully will. I want to move from celebration, planning, philosophy, contact to connection phase. We know we will probably have a down year or two by our standards, but I feel most of us willing to endure that to get the Fraudster to evacuate. You know Cali-Fraudi will be in big time attack/revenge mode and will do everything to hurt the BBN and prove to the BB world that he hasn’t lost it. He will work harder in next 2 yrs than he has the last 8-9.
Yep
Well stated. Ditto!!
He was very well compensated for his time with us but NO ONE could appease that ego! He could not just walk away with class. He has to get even any way that he can. No amount of money will ever be enough for him. Ellen could not bring him up to her classy self but she also never let him pull her down to his level. He may empty our bench this year but the bad taste that he left behind is already starting to fade.
Yes. The bad taste began to disappear as soon as we knew he was turning to the hogs. Bringing in Pope helped clear the air even more & then Rupp Arena showcased the BBN frees from the fraud & thrilled to start a new, clean chapter focused on UK & not some other agenda!