Former UK player and BYU coach Mark Pope has been named the new head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, taking over for John Calipari who is moving to Arkansas. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart considered top-tier coaches like Scott Drew, Dan Hurley, and Billy Donovan before ultimately selecting Pope.
Pope, who has won 20-plus games six times in nine years, is known for his approach to roster building which focuses on retaining players and utilizing the transfer portal. Despite never winning an NCAA Tournament game, Pope’s coaching acumen and love for Kentucky have garnered him the support of the athletic department.
Having played for Kentucky in the 1990s and captaining the 1996 national championship team, Pope brings a sense of tradition to his new role. He has previously coached at Utah Valley and BYU, where he won 110 games in just five seasons.
While some fans have expressed disappointment in the hire, citing a desire for a more proven coach, Pope’s teams have shown success on the offensive end and play a fast-paced style of basketball. His BYU team exceeded expectations in the Big 12 and is expected to be competitive next season.
As Pope begins his new role with the Wildcats, he will look to build upon his previous coaching successes and lead Kentucky back to national prominence on the basketball court.
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