Report: Mark Pope set new rules for the club, speaks about three key points.
On the status of Kentucky basketball, the new coach of the Wildcats spoke extensively.
Mark Pope arrived in Lexington one month ago. Over the course of the last four weeks, the new Kentucky coach drastically altered the Wildcats’ roster, bringing in seven transfers and adding small forward Trent Noah to a recruiting class that included four-star guard Travis Perry. In a conversation with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Pope discussed Kentucky’s current roster and his plans for the Wildcats’ remaining scholarships.
“It was terrifying, but it actually turned out to be a real blessing that we got to start from scratch here,” the pope stated. “We have to personally select players who best complement our style of play. I’m really happy with our current roster. There are still a few extremely crucial parts that need to be added. Right now, we have ten scholarships. I need to add two really, incredibly crucial parts.”
In addition to discussing his relationship with previous head coach John Calipari and negotiating a home-and-home series with St. John’s to get Rick Pitino back in Rupp Arena, Pope went into greater detail about Kentucky’s roster during the interview.
KENTUCKY STANDARD FIRST
“This is the paradise of basketball. That you have the chance to come to the University of Kentucky and try your luck is nearly unimaginable. It’s overwhelming, thrilling, depleting, and taxing. There is an infinite list. It’s comparable to love, family, and home. 22,000 people attended the inaugural news conference that we held at Rupp Arena. This is the team for this state. It’s all of it. The benchmark is unachievable. Anything less than a title each year is not acceptable. Because of everything, it’s a lovely work.”
REGARDING HIS FIRST IMAGINATIONS OF THE 2024–25 ROSTER: “This is the first year of a project.” However, compared to the team we had at BYU last year, this one has a lot more experience. These men have a track record of success. They have made it into the national championship game by making clutch shots and making it into the NCAA Tournament several times. Guys who have been at the top of the game for a long time are considered veterans. Although it was terrible, the fact that we had to start over here was truly fortunate. We had the opportunity to personally select players who complemented our style of play. We wish to play more games in the same genre as we did the previous year. I’m really happy with our current roster. There are still a few extremely crucial parts that need to be added. I adore it on paper.”
ABOUT WHAT THE NEW TALENT BRINGS TO THE TEAM: “We signed three of the greatest defensive players in the nation as our first three signings. Those three men are superb, seasoned athletes who have achieved the greatest success. These are the individuals whose games will see incredible growth in the next months. I possess two of the nation’s top ten backcourt defenders. I am among the top five rim protectors in the nation. On the defensive end, we can terrify people. We are the ideal match for Koby Brea. Andrew Carr has the same sentiments. He is known to us as Lauri Markkanen. He is an incredibly talented three-level scorer. He will hold great significance for us.
“With Kerr Kriisa, we had a little vinegar and piss encounter. It’s been six years since I started recruiting him. Before he ever arrived at college, I was in Lithuania recruiting him. As good a young player as you can get on the front lines is Brandon Garrison. Superstar Collin Chandler is. He’s just a budding superstar. Pro basketball players Trent Noah and Travis Perry embody the spirit of Kentucky. I adore how well this team gels as a unit.”
About the potential of Colin Chandler
He is an exceptional player. He has a genuine burst and stunning explosiveness for a 6-foot-6 man. He has suffered an incredibly beautiful stroke. The ball is just so soft at the rim when it is released from his hands. He patrols while flying about. He has a very good heart. He is very selfless. When you combine everything, I’m not sure to whom to relate it, but I can tell it’s the DNA of something very, very unique.”
ABOVE THE LAST THREE ROSTER POSITS
Right now, we have ten scholarships available. I need to add two really, really crucial items. The 13th scholarship is a component that floats. A young player might find a home there. A senior player who plans to take a redshirt year may be able to use it. It might serve as a project location. Something for a high-risk guy, perhaps? We’re working very hard to fill these final two positions. Right now, it is a top priority.”
RICK PITINO ON TIMING A HOME-AND-HOME WITH ST. JOHN’S: “We both want it. Sometimes scheduling can be really difficult. Both of us are attempting to navigate it. My true desire is for Coach Pitino to enter Rupp Arena with a limp. Is there a fan base that cherishes a coach more than Coach Pitino’s supporters do? They are ever so appreciative of what he accomplished here, year after year. From the supporters’ perspective, he has become so iconic. Though I’m sure he is aware of it, I would really like to see him return to his building. I can’t wait to return to this building and defeat him. I’m trying to beat coach, and I’m dying, dying, dying. It is certain to occur. We have to sort out every last detail.”
RELATIVE TO JOHN CALIPARI: “I will always be appreciative of Coach Cal.” I will be appreciative of his actions at my former university. I am really grateful for what he has done for Kentucky basketball and collegiate basketball. He’s been extremely kind to me directly. My heart should be overflowing with gratitude for him. He is among the best college basketball coaches in history. Being in this league with him is fantastic for basketball. It’s fantastic for Big Blue Nation and lovers of Arkansas.
There is going to be conflict. Certain things will get quite personal. It’s one thing to play against an unknown opponent. It is not the same as competing against your sibling. When something happens in the backyard, it typically ends badly because of how much you love each other.”
