Mark Pope Throws Fashion Challenge at Rick Pitino

Mark Pope and Rick Pitino will coach against each other for the first time on Dec. 20th in Atlanta. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Mark Pope answered a lot of questions about his 2025-26 roster, his expectations for the program and what playing for Kentucky should mean to a player.

However, the Kentucky coach obviously came to Tuesday’s press conference expecting one question that he didn’t get.

“First of all, nobody asked about St. John’s? Is this possible?” Pope said after 30 minutes of answering questions. “I’m excited. You guys aren’t excited about this? … Wow.”

Kentucky will play St. John’s in the CBS Sports Classic on Dec. 20 in Atlanta. Kentucky was originally scheduled to play UCLA but the Bruins dropped out of the event to clear the way for UK to play St. John’s and former UK coach Rick Pitino.

Pitino coached Pope on UK’s 1996 national championship team.

“Obviously, Kentucky was Camelot for me. I’ve said it many times. So now to play against The Captain (Pope), who made so many special moments for me and the team, in a battle that CBS is putting on is quite special. I will remember it for a long, long time,” Pitino said after the game was announced.

Pope was downright giddy talking about the game that UK and St. John’s had tried to work into their schedules but had not been able to do so until UCLA dropped out of the CBS Sports Classic.

“I’ve been working hard on this game. I’m so grateful to CBS. I’m grateful to UCLA. I don’t know what happened with UCLA but somehow they’re not in this and St. John’s is. And, it’s awesome. I’m so hyped,” Pope said. “The game is going to be elite.”

How hyped? So hyped that Pope threw down a fashion challenge to his former coach who always takes pride in his sideline attire.

“I’ll be honest with you. I’m putting this out there so Coach P. can hear it. I am bringing the suit game. I’ve already started planning. Coach, just be ready, okay. Bring it,” Pope said.

Pope said he would not wear a white suit like Pitino has previously done.

“I can’t (wear white). Listen. I’m not trying to be ‘The Don’. Like, that position has already been taken. But I’m bringing the thunder. I don’t know what Coach has prepared but he better get with his tailor because it’s on right now,” Pope said.