Mark Pope was in London working Sunday with two of his daughters along with Jeff and Reed Sheppard and others. (Shane Bundy Photo)
Mark Pope spent Friday and Saturday recruiting talent for upcoming Kentucky basketball teams and supposedly was going to be doing that again Sunday.
Instead, Pope and two of his daughters were in London Sunday helping those in need after Friday’s tornadoes hit London and Somerset leaving huge devastation behind in both places.
“I’m heartbroken over the devastation from the deadly tornadoes that ravaged our great state earlier today,” Pope posted on X Saturday. “Our people have endured numerous natural disasters over the course of several years, but what I know about Kentuckians is this: we are resilient. We will mourn together. We believe in one another. We will stand together and rebuild together. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”
Pope obviously made sure that his players understood the distress many were facing in London and Somerset.
“My deepest condolences to all the families in Kentucky who lost someone during the recent storms that hit the state. My prayers are with you Kentucky. Stay strong,” Alabama transfer Mouhamed Dioubate posted Saturday.
Teammate Kam Williams, a Tulane transfer, posted this on Saturday: “Praying for everyone who was damaged by the tornado in Kentucky. Many lost their lives and homes and that ultimately, affects family in multiple different ways. Once again, please join me with showing full support to the Kentucky community. #BBN”
Shane Bundy and others in London were surprised when Pope showed up in their town to help Sunday. He was joined by former UK teammate Jeff Sheppard and Sheppard’s son, Reed.
“He was a surprise. We were just helping out our neighbors,” Bundy said. “Coach Pope wants people to know that they don’t have to know people here. Just show up and help. Remember Kentucky strong. London will rebuild.”
Bundy said to “tell people to please come help” London as it tries to rebuild after the tornado.
“Just come to London and they can find us,” Bundy said.
4 Responses
I have a sister that lived in London many years ago and she spoke often of the people who live there. God bless you all and the good Lord takes care of his children.
Amen! May the London folks & those helping (Pope & others) all he blessed richly in the love, peace, overcoming capacity, of the Lord Jesus!
Pope is everything a coach is supposed to be. So much of a upgrade then Calapari. We needed this change and it seems to have worked out for both parties.
From darkness to light – the program jumped out of the dark shadows with the hiring of Pope. He’s batting close to 100%, with everything super except for the oversight of the need to play Perry (& Noah & Chandler) a lot in the early season against cupcakes to get them adjusted to college ball. Noah & other Kentucky native recruits this season will hopefully get those essential minutes.