Mark Pope Expects Year Two at Kentucky to be Fun

Kentucky coach Mark Pope said Tuesday that his staff will be 100 times better next season. (Vicky Graff Photo)

There’s something about Year No. 2.

Although Mark Pope knew the assignment when he was hired as coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, he had to assemble a squad and a coaching staff in a hurry. The finished product was competitive as his first Kentucky team finished 24-12 and reached the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

As Pope and his staff navigated the transfer portal in search of players who fit the system, things were easier for the Kentucky coaching staff the second time around.

“I talk about our players being better, the second year our staff is going to be 100 times better than we were last year, just because we had a chance to function together and learn each other, and the guys have had a chance to learn me and and and we’re excited to see how much better we can be,” Pope said.

“I think that Year No. 2 is fun because you have Year No. 1 under your belt and your players, your new players, talking about how excited they were to be a part of this.”

Two of his three freshmen from last season — Trent Noah and Collin Chandler — are back, as well as veterans Brandon Garrison and possibly Otega Oweh.

“Wherever I’ve coached, it’s so fun,” Pope said Tuesday. “Year No. 2 is so fun because Year One is just this onslaught of learning and decision-making. You’re just overwhelmed with learning decision-making. The guys coming in a second year for me, almost without fail, they take massive leaps.

“We expect all of these returners to be much, much better than they were last year, which is saying a lot, because they were really good last year. Colin Chandler is going to be a great example. He’s so hungry right now. He’s been working really, really hard.”

Pope admitted he was “devastated” by the loss of Travis Perry to the portal, but offered his best wishes to Perry, who transferred to Ole Miss.

Pope said his second squad will be “deep” and “skilled.”

“I think the guys that have chosen to be here are guys that are just starving to come test themselves every single day in practice, to come get better. I’ve got hungry, hungry, hungry guys,” Pope said.

“I’ve got guys that have really unique, distinguishable skill sets that fit us really well. I’m excited about this crew. This is going to be a really special crew to coach.”