The Pope Has Arrived

New UK coach Mark Pope with UK fans after his press conference Sunday. (Vicky Graff Photo)

It was more than a press conference. It was more than a pep rally. It was the coming together of a fan base that has been divided for years. It was an experience like no other. Memories were recalled, the recent past was set to rest and the future plans were laid.

It meant more than a win. It meant more than a mere announcement.  It was an experience that defined the true meaning of Kentucky Basketball.

I had concerns about the attendance for new coach Mark Pope’s welcome. The weather was beautiful (best of the spring). It was scheduled late on a Sunday afternoon when many consider their “nap” time before the new work week begins. However, all my fears were erased when three hours before the doors opened the crowd began to form outside of Rupp Arena. The Big Blue Nation traveled near and far to show support to one of their own who would had been promoted from Captain to Coach.

There will never be a better entrance than the bus pulling into Rupp. One by one former players made their way through the doors as they opened court-side. Lastly, the 1996 team appeared with Mark Pope hoisting the 1996 championship trophy in the air.

It took a fan back to that time. It brought tears to my eyes. I can still remember watching on television just wishing I could be there. In fact, it is probably still on an old VHS tape stored in my attic.

“Passion wins championship,” a quote to remember from Coach Pope today. He gets it. He knows what it means to put on the Kentucky uniform. It will be a Kentucky first, not player first, team. If a player has the characteristics to play at Kentucky they will be recruited. If not, they simply won’t. 

Coach wants to be here. His family supports him 100 percent and Sunday he won the hearts of the Big Blue Nation.

The new path will be different than the past 15 years. Long gone are five or six one-and-done freshmen on a roster each year. There will be future NBA players but they will be treated equally. Playing time will not depend on draft stock. It will depend on work ethic and what is best for the team. This system works. It is the new college basketball system. The sooner it is embraced ,the better.

Sunday proved Kentucky basketball has the best fans in the sport. They are united and rejuvenated. Together they form an army that will destroy. A warning to all haters!

There is a roster to build, new UK gear to buy and tickets to be bought to the State Farm Classic in Atlanta on Nov. 12 when the Cats play Duke. See you there.