Former Lamar assistant coach Mikhail McLean is an “analytics nerd” who should also help Mark Pope with player development. (Lamar Athletics Photo)
No matter where he’s coaching, Mark Pope knows one thing that will not change.
“We believe in the way we play and our approach to the game for a bunch of reasons,” said Pope. “We believe it wins and believe that is where basketball is going and we are pushing the envelope along with some teams in the NBA. We use space, cutters and attack. Philosophically, we really believe in that.
“It’s a fun way to play and coach. I think our fan base will love watching these guys play. It is an entertaining style and a little artistic. It gives you a chance to go on big runs which is so much fun. I think spurtability is really important. We really believe in it. We are going to continue to modify and push the envelope.”
To do that, Pope had to put together not only the right roster, but the right coaching staff.
“I think we have a chance to grow into the best staff in all of college basketball. I love this staff,” Pope said. “This is the most eclectic staff ever put together, the most talented staff by far, the most experienced staff by far and the most diverse by basketball experience you can find.
“I love the chemistry of this staff. They are in this for each other. This is a dream place for them to be and they know it.”
Pope’s final coaching hire was Mikhail McLean, who spent the last three seasons on Alvin Brooks II’s staff at Lamar. Alvin Brooks III, the Lamar coach’s son, is also on the UK staff. McLean was the associate head coach of the Bahamian National Team last summer when it beat Argentina, ranked fourth in the world, twice.
“Mikhail and I have been together for 14 years,” the Lamar coach said. “I think coach Pope was looking for somebody really good with player development and scouting reports but also a young guy with great energy.”
Lamar was eight nationally in fast break points, 23rd in assists, 41st in forcing turnovers and 36th in offensive rebounding last year.
“When he came from Houston to Lamar (when Brooks got the head job) he had never recruited before. I told him how you evaluate, how you recruit and how you put together a team are three different things and he did a good job understanding that because he is a smart guy. I thought he could be CEO of a major company. His leadership skills are off the chart good.”
Brooks II told Pope that and more. So did Brooks III who also knew plenty about McLean.
“He is an analytics guy like Al. They are two nerds,” the Lamar coach said.
Pope believes in analytics. That’s why he continues to insist his team will take 30 or more 3-pointers per game and why he had to be so careful putting his roster and staff together for his first season at UK.
“There were so many factors and dynamics to find pieces that fit the way we want to play,” Pope said. “There were two big pieces. One, were they capable of representing Kentucky (on the court). Two, did they understand what Kentucky basketball is about and the demands that come with playing here.
“There are a lot of great programs in college basketball but there is just nothing like Kentucky. There was a limited group of guys capable of winning at the level required here and withstanding the pressure of functioning here. Every piece we took impacted the next piece.
“But the bottom line is this is the greatest job in the world. It’s the greatest challenge that I will ever face but it is also the greatest honor and I have the roster and coaching staff to make it work.”
6 Responses
By tourney time he could very well have the best TEAM in college basketball.
Hope your right Barry. Pope has put new energy in the program something we have lack the last few years.
Pope seems to be quite a team-builder as well as a guy who wants folks with expertise around him to contribute to the finished product, not just to agree with him!!
UK 1st. Not since Pitino recruited, developed & molded the best team in the nation with 3 consecutive Title games has UK had a coach who will ALWAYS out UK 1st.
Rupp, Hall, Pitino & I confidently add Pope as the 4 most dedicated coaches who placed UK 1st EVERY GAME and only played whose who really WANT UK TO WIN.
Absolutely correct that he may produce the best team in the post season.
Absolutely agree he does not just hire “yes” men.
Kentucky is not listed as the favorite to sign any of the recent kids who have been on our campus. If Pope signs any of them or even just one of them, it’s a big win for Kentucky.
We will most likely have 3 to 5 returning players in 2025. We have signed 2 top high school seniors. I would sign 2, maybe 3 more high schoolers, and then turn to the portal. The portal allows you to target what you need the most. It adds proven performance and leadership which allows the incoming freshmen the chance to learn and improve against seasoned players and lets the younger kids know that spots will be open the following year. This approach may steer kids who want to be OAD to other schools, but this formula gives Kentucky the best chance to win SEC and national titles. Until they clone another Anthony Davis and MKG, older experienced teams will win championships.