I will support Mark Pope as the head coach...if he truly is the pick. But, I do not think he is a wise choice. Personally, I don't think he is ready for the job. He needed another higher profile job before the UK position.
However, one thing is certain. Barnhart's future at UK is now totally linked to Pope's success or failure. Mark is a great guy and will always be a beloved Cat but, that isn't enough to make him a great coach at a historic flagship basketball school.
So, either Barnhart is planning on retiring very soon or he has gone all in on this hire and hopes it pays off. But, man what a gamble!
However, one thing is certain. Barnhart's future at UK is now totally linked to Pope's success or failure. Mark is a great guy and will always be a beloved Cat but, that isn't enough to make him a great coach at a historic flagship basketball school.
So, either Barnhart is planning on retiring very soon or he has gone all in on this hire and hopes it pays off. But, man what a gamble!