TheCatsDomain.Com Message Boards: What do you think of Mark Pope?

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Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 04-12-2024, 10:00 PM:

So, Mark Pope is the new Head Coach of our beloved Wildcats. How do you feel about that?

Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 04-13-2024, 08:39 AM:

I voted with the closest match but really:

I was disappointed in the hire at first, but the more I look at his style of play and approach, the more excited I get.

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 04-13-2024, 09:03 AM:

I really thought it was a second tier choice but the more I think about it we have something another choice would not have provided. It corrects a problem we had with Cal for years. He knows UK BB and BBN very well. He palyed here and knows the history very well.
I like the way he plays the game and I think some of these young guys may like it too. He could possibl;y be the link that brings Reed Sheppard back for another year, as well as maybe Wagner.
Some of these guys that have bailed out may change their mind and decide to come to UK.
I'm looking forward to see who he can retain and who will decide to come to UK.

Posted by handycat (Member # 2323) on 04-13-2024, 12:01 PM:

At first I worried if he would be able to handle our demanding fans. Then I found out he lives with 5 women in his house. He’ll be fine.

Posted by Trey Ball (Member # 332) on 04-13-2024, 01:35 PM:

I am all for it. If you couldn’t get Hurley and you choose not to pursue Pitino…….. I would want a young coach like Pope or Abdur Rahim vs going after turds like Drew/Pearl/Miller erc.

I will give Mitch props for the hire. Super pumped that I can continue to wear my Kentucky Basketball gear!

Posted by ukman (Member # 3032) on 04-13-2024, 03:35 PM:

At first I thought we settled and it was a 2nd tier hire. He was on my list, but in the 2nd tier. However, after thinking about it I am excited for the season, and to see who he brings in, or retains. I think the future looks good, may not be immediate, but I like the possibility of what he can do versus what we knew we would continue to get with Cal. I'm all in on the change.

Posted by m hamilton (Member # 127) on 04-13-2024, 04:48 PM:

I saw this quote yesterday and thought I should share it.

This is Pope's post game press Conf. after his Utah Valley state team came into Rupp a few years back.

On the feeling of coming back to Rupp Arena as a competitor.....

" You know, a little bit confusing probably, because I'm not going to lie to you. I love this place. This is, in all sincerity, for me and my little slice of life, this is hallowed ground here. It's an incredibly extraordinary place and had a huge impact in my life and I love the people here. With that said, that was a real driving force in me wanting to win this game. I haven't told the guys this, but I haven't lost too many games in this place. It probably hurts just as much now as it did the 1 or 2 times that I lost here as a player!

[ 04-13-2024, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: m hamilton ]

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 04-13-2024, 08:45 PM:

I can't wait. I want to see if he can convince any of the signees to change their minds and stay with UK. I feel he'll get a couple of them to stay anyway. I'm looking at him to keep Sheppard and Wagner both for a starting G duo. I think Ugo and Iviscik both will stay. Then there's Burks, who didn't get a lot of PT who may stay. I'm thinking Fland and Richmond might be the ones who could stay.