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Mark Pope
Posted on 4/12/24 at 9:00 am
Posted on 4/12/24 at 9:00 am
Imma put this here where maybe some level-headed people will read it.
Mitch hiring Mark Pope might be premature (we could have got him at the last hour). It might be a risk. But here's why I think it's the perfect hiring decision from Mitch's perspective.
Mitch will be retiring soon or moving on most likely. This may be the last coaching hire he makes. He swung for the fences with Hurley, who simply isn't interested. He went to a dear friend in Drew, who doesn't want to uproot 20+ years of friends and connections in TX.
In the end, he left the program in the hands of a guy who will put UK first. He hired the polar opposite of Cal. Cal is all about Cal and his players. Mark Pope will be all about the University of Kentucky. Mark Pope may not be a lot of things, but he will be a UK guy through and through. If he's successful, he'll stay for the long haul. If he isn't, it won't be because he doesn't love UK.
If Mitch couldn't get the best in the business, why not put the program in the hands of a guy who will always want the best for the University? Getting Mark Pope frees up about 4mil (easy) for NIL. If he doesn't work out, the next AD won't have to replace a "legend".
Is it the best hire? No.
Is it risky? Yes.
Will Pope be a UK legend? Remains to be seen. I'm willing to let it ride, and I'll be supportive of him and the team.
I think whatever Pope lacks in recruiting will be bolstered by the UK name brand and one of the best athletic departments in the country.
I do think he'll be a better bench coach than Cal, but that was a pretty low bar TBH.
GO CATS!!
Mitch hiring Mark Pope might be premature (we could have got him at the last hour). It might be a risk. But here's why I think it's the perfect hiring decision from Mitch's perspective.
Mitch will be retiring soon or moving on most likely. This may be the last coaching hire he makes. He swung for the fences with Hurley, who simply isn't interested. He went to a dear friend in Drew, who doesn't want to uproot 20+ years of friends and connections in TX.
In the end, he left the program in the hands of a guy who will put UK first. He hired the polar opposite of Cal. Cal is all about Cal and his players. Mark Pope will be all about the University of Kentucky. Mark Pope may not be a lot of things, but he will be a UK guy through and through. If he's successful, he'll stay for the long haul. If he isn't, it won't be because he doesn't love UK.
If Mitch couldn't get the best in the business, why not put the program in the hands of a guy who will always want the best for the University? Getting Mark Pope frees up about 4mil (easy) for NIL. If he doesn't work out, the next AD won't have to replace a "legend".
Is it the best hire? No.
Is it risky? Yes.
Will Pope be a UK legend? Remains to be seen. I'm willing to let it ride, and I'll be supportive of him and the team.
I think whatever Pope lacks in recruiting will be bolstered by the UK name brand and one of the best athletic departments in the country.
I do think he'll be a better bench coach than Cal, but that was a pretty low bar TBH.
GO CATS!!
1
Posted on 4/14/24 at 6:08 pm to The Architect
100% agree.
I think Pope will be a better game coach, and I think his recruiting will be fine. Kentucky fans are exhausted with one and dones. Bring us some 2-4 year guys like the other teams that are winning in March.
Press conference was amazing. I wish he had made some more comments embracing the guys from the last 15 years and let them know they are always welcome. Would be great to see those guys around from time to time, and not just watching Arkansas practice.
I think Pope will be a better game coach, and I think his recruiting will be fine. Kentucky fans are exhausted with one and dones. Bring us some 2-4 year guys like the other teams that are winning in March.
Press conference was amazing. I wish he had made some more comments embracing the guys from the last 15 years and let them know they are always welcome. Would be great to see those guys around from time to time, and not just watching Arkansas practice.
Posted on 4/14/24 at 7:43 pm to kywildcatfanone
The guys that played for Kentucky know who they are. The ones that were rented for a year know who they are too.
Some of the guys are loyal to Cal just as Pope is to Pitino. That is natural. But you can also be loyal to UK and one that has recently shot off his mouth obviously isn’t. His dumb arse is unaware that Kentucky won championships before Cal got here and will win again after he leaves.
Some of the guys are loyal to Cal just as Pope is to Pitino. That is natural. But you can also be loyal to UK and one that has recently shot off his mouth obviously isn’t. His dumb arse is unaware that Kentucky won championships before Cal got here and will win again after he leaves.
Posted on 4/15/24 at 4:51 pm to Lynxrufus2012
The only other thing I wish had happened was somehow have Pope invite Kenny Brooks onstage for some applause. He might be our new Cal in a good way.
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