Vicky Graff Photo
For the first time, Kentucky basketball will play an exhibition game against the nation’s No. 1 team on Oct. 24 when it hosts Purdue in Rupp Arena.
“My expectation is that Rupp is going to be on fire, and our guys are going to be super nervous. It’s going to be the first time with this group ever being together on the floor,” Kentucky coach Mark Pope said at Southeastern Conference Media Days on Tuesday in Birmingham.
“I expect we’re going to see things where we shake our heads in disbelief, like, what were we thinking. I think we’re going to shake our head and think that’s amazing. I didn’t actually expect to see that. We’re going to see all things.”
Pope constantly claims he wants to play the nation’s best teams and that he would also like to see the college basketball schedule expanded. He thinks an exhibition game like this is good for everyone.
“It is such a gift to college basketball players. I’m grateful to the NCAA and all the committees that are allowing us to play Division I opponents in the exhibition,” Pope said. “The opportunity for us to go against the No. 1 team in the country this early, before the season even starts, where we can still experiment and try things and learn things about our team.
“What’s great about Purdue is not only the No. 1 team in the country, they’re the No. 1 team because they have been together. (Purdue coach) Matt (Painter) could have probably not practiced once the entire summer and come into Rupp and put together an incredible product on the floor. One, he coaches so well. Two, his guys know everything they do already.”
Pope warned UK fans that Kentucky will be playing the “most experienced, most well-prepared, well-coached team in the country” when it takes on Purdue.
“To get that data, like, in the pre-season before you’re actually playing real games is a gift. Even more important, for BBN, for our fan base, there’s no words to describe them, I’m just happy for our fan base,” Pope said.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity. I’m grateful for it. I’m hoping the NCAA pushes it to four, five, or six pre-season games. We’ll see if we get there. But I’ll take two this year.”
16 Responses
Can't wait. Getting tired of not having any major sports to enjoy in KY up til now.
I can hardly wait for this game. I have faith that we CAN win this one. Yes, they are number one NOW, but . . .! If not, well, hopefully we shall meet again when it REALLY matters – in the tournament on our way to NUMBER 9! Oh, yeah. Good luck guys and GO CATS!
Calipari would have never scheduled a matchup like this. Pope and the team want this game. It will show what is working and what needs work. It also gets the big game jitters out in a safe way. Playing Georgetown next will be the perfect test to see how well the holes have been plugged. Then the Nichols and Valparaiso games will be the perfect tuneup for the Lousyville game. Pope is proving that he was really the ONLY guy to replace the FRAUD.
Coach Cal scheduled #1Kansas last year and Arkansas beat them. I don’t know why you think he wouldn’t have done that while he was at Kentucky. He always played a tough schedule. It really doesn’t matter though, he is at Arkansas and we have Coach Pope.
Hope the Cats don’t have access to the media and think they have a walkover with the Bowlermakers – they are a different type team than they will face in the SEC. I’m thinking this will be a good object lesson for them. May be a +.
Purdue has lost the last two high d 1 exhibition opponents. Ark and Creighton. Painter uses the exhibition games against high majors to ID weaknesses and see what various player combinations work or don't work. Should be a great game.
Purdue has lost the last two high d 1 exhibition opponents. Ark and Creighton. Painter uses the exhibition games against high majors to ID weaknesses and see what various player combinations work or don't work. Should be a great game.
Think Pope will do some of the same — or probably should
1234
Well I'm hoping for a w, but as long as we make it a good game I'm ok with that.
same here Kevin
Purdue has just about everyone back and Braden Smith is best p.g. on the nation, along with Kauffmam Rin on the box and Loyer is one best 3pt shooter in America, but I think U
will give them all they want. Purdue by single digits.
I think it will be a great "exhibition" game Lyttle. Purdue looks very, very good
Why is Barry Pritchett still worried about Coach Cal?
I guess you Calipari lovers still squirm when I hate on him, lol! The FRAUD cost us at least 2 national titles. His arrogance about being an NBA farm team earned him the wrath of BBN and I still haven't gotten over it. He was doomed to do the same at Arkansas until Boogie Fland got hurt. Then he realized he needed to become a coach again and did so just in time to give us a thumping last year (us missing 3 starters made it easy for him) and save the Arkansas season. What will he be this year…a hall of fame coach or go back to being an NBA pimp? The Hog faithful are hoping for the former, but fear Calipari's ego will get the best of him again. Barring another run of injuries, we should be able to repay the thumping in Fayetteville which will make it all the better. Maybe, after that asswhooping I won't be so angry with him…maybe, but until they pass a law against it, I will continue to hate on the FRAUD.
3 starters were not missing. Butler was the only starter missing and Arkansas was missing Fland. Anyway, Coach Pope is our coach now. It's ridiculous to keep on talking about Coach Cal.