Mark Pope took a call from Mitch Barnhart during his press conference. (Vicky Graff Photo)
After Kentucky hired Mark Pope as its new coach, former UK standout Rex Chapman revealed that Pope’s wife, Lee Anne, made homemade cookies for every team that played at BYU.
She didn’t make cookies for Pope’s first press conference with in-state media members Tuesday but the coach did make sure there was a tray of assorted cookies available for media members — and a small plate of four cookies for him.
It was a way different atmosphere from the John Calipari press conferences — and even started exactly on time.
Another major difference — Pope answered the question he was asked. He didn’t have preconceived information he wanted to share and instead answered what he was asked.
Certainly it is easier to be more relaxed in the offseason, especially when the Mark Pope bandwagon is steamrolling through BBN. However, Pope also showed not only his sense of humor but his appreciation for UK late in his 30-minute press conference.
Pope’s phone rang and he took time to answer it because it was UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart, the man who hired him in April when Calipari left for Arkansas.
“Hey, I’m in a press conference right now. Can I put you on speakerphone?” Pope asked Barnhart when he answered his call.
Not surprisingly, Barnhart said no.
“I’m sharing a bunch of dirt about you right now. I’ll call you after. All right. I’ll call you later. Thanks, brother,” Pope said before ending the call.
The new UK coach called Barnhart a “great man” after the call ended.
“We’re super blessed to have him leading University Kentucky athletics. And clearly, I’m going to say that because he was crazy enough to hire me, but on a much broader scale, we’re really blessed to have him because he is leading the charge in navigating the most complicated time in the history of college athletics. And it’s not even close,” Pope said.
“And the one thing we know about him, he’s going to do with class and poise and intelligence. I’m super grateful. I promise that was not planned just so I could bear testimony. Much love for Mitch Barnhart.”
Mark Pope Press Conference
Photos by Vicky Graff
8 Responses
The man simply shows respect and appreciation. And in turn I appreciate and respect that .. Amazing how that works isn’t it? He doesn’t take anything for granted. And it’s nice not to hear the same thing over and over and someone to nor speak in broken sentences and fragments.
Grant, very well said. I wonder how long it will be before Arkansas realizes that they literally bought a Pig in a Poke!
👍
Great shirt Larry!!
Love the photo of you and Coach Pope. Great shirt!
Larry – you’re smooth to use this opportunity to show your photo with the most prolific coach in the 21st century 👍
The coach is like a polished Rick Pitino with confidence – but without the big ego.
What a package!
• personality
• intellligent
• friendly
• speaks fluent English and does not stammer with incomplete sentences
• coherent – actually answers questions instead of bumbling words randomly selected from a box
• and his family bears the same great characteristics
It may take 2 to 3 years, and it’s not impossible to happen the 1st year, for UK to hang Banner #9
Obviously the best possible coach choice – especially from the “ feel good
experience “ side of things.
Let’s not forget that Adolph, Joe, Eddie, Rick, Billie Clyde ( especially ) Tubby & John ALL had their share of tough times. Coach Pope won’t be exempt.
Mitch has been here for some time, and some of his basketball coaching decisions seemed confusing.
However, I think Mitch has finally found the coach that fits him too.