ESPN Photo
University of Kentucky students got a phone call none of them could have been expecting Saturday.
New UK men’s basketball coach Mark Pope shared a message with students on an automated call that went out to UK students.
“UK students, this is your new UK men’s basketball coach Mark Pope. I am a proud alumnus. I love this school to the depth of my soul. I am class of 96, so I am way older than your parents and grandparents,” Pope said in the recorded message.
“This place changed my life. I am honored to be here and lead this program. I can’t wait to get around campus and meet you. Your energy will matter to this team.”
It’s just another part of the culture change with Pope taking over after John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas. Pope is personable and I think will be more accessible to fans, students and probably even the media.
This was a quick way for Pope to reach out to students that he understands how important they can be to his program before his official introductory press conference today in Rupp Arena.
10 Responses
Pope is checking all of the boxes to date. Now meet with the team and recruits and see who will stay. Then meet with your BYU players to see who will come. As soon as we have those answers, hit the portal for what is needed to complete our team. There is plenty of talent, but we should seek only what we need. The Kentucky program is not the sinking ship the media has made it out to be. We have the right captain now and we will be ready to prove that come November. Go CATS!
More accessible requires the press to ask the tough questions of any coach, a duty the press grossly failed to do with Calipari.
Amen Professor
Coach pope welcome to Kentucky l have always been a wildcat fan and good luck to you and your family and go big blue go cats this issally hammonds just wantsay good luck
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Khalifa is scheduled to visit KY on the 22. He has a visit scheduled for Lousyville too. It would be nice to bring him on our team. The next 2 weeks will be interesting.
I’m sure the honeymoon will be over soon but it was a love fest at Rupp today.
I think Mark will thrive here. He is having to put together a team from scratch but with the portal being what it is, he will field a competitive team.
I loved the way former players were included into today’s events. I think it is great when the coach can relate to students, players, coaches, and the media because he has been involved in all areas at UK. Having someone like Pitino in his hip pocket won’t hurt and it says a lot when he is willing to consult with others because he knows he doesn’t know it all. Would love to get a peak at those messages on the ’96 Group Chat.
The next season will be like Pitino’s first team except there now being no post season prohibition. The players that decide to wear the UK uniform next season will be here because this is where they want to be for all the right reasons.
What a breath of fresh air!
Mark Pope will get every ounce of effort out of that team next year, just as Pitino did in 1990, and beyond.
Ding Dong the FRAUD is Dead,
Which old FRAUD,
The SNAKE OIL FRAUD.
Ding Dong the SNAKE OIL FRAUD is Dead.
Can’t wait to roll into Fayetteville and demolish dem hogs.
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