SEC Network host/reporter Alyssa Lang believes both Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks will have even better second years at Kentucky. (ESPN Images Photo)
SEC Network host Alyssa Lang also works as a sideline reporter for ESPN and the SEC Network for football, basketball, baseball and softball.
Lang worked the Kentucky-Toledo football game to open UK’s season and joined me on a Lexington radio show to share her thoughts on the game. But she also offered insights on Kentucky second-year basketball coaches Mark Pope, who is now on the National Basketball Association of Basketball Coaches’ Board of Directors, and Kenny Brooks.
“I had Mark Pope a couple of times last year and was on the sideline,” Lang said. “I’m so impressed by him. I love every conversation I get to have with him, but more importantly, I love the way the players talk about him.
“I was actually out in Vegas for the NBA Summer League this past July, and I had a couple of former Cats that I got to catch up with who were out there. They still talked so lovingly about coach Pope and how much their time in Lexington meant to them. They know they wouldn’t be the players that they are competing for an NBA roster spot without coach Pope.”
Lang is also a Brooks fan and was not surprised he had last year finishing fourth in the SEC and winning a game in the NCAA Tournament. He returns three starters off that team this season.
“Year one is always going to be tough no matter where you are, but certainly when you wear the Kentucky logo. Coach Brooks understands that better than anybody,” Lang said. “I have no doubt that they will be better than last year with a full season under his belt. Whatever that team ends up looking like, they will be better.
“I couldn’t believe we got Kenny Brooks to the SEC when he ended up leaving Virginia Tech. It was just such a great get, such a great fit. The way he has continued to build Kentucky women’s basketball and change the face of the program already in such a short period of time.
“As much as I’m excited about football season, when basketball tips off conference play in January that is maybe the next best time of the year. I can’t wait to see what both of them have for us and I think they are going to have plenty.”
