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A new era

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Bout to go down on KSR tomorrow 😂

31 years ago (recorded history) on January 19, 1994. Shelbyville holds a Kentucky record for coldest temperature of 37 below. Louisville recorded their record low the same day, 22 below. I remember it well. Hell of a difference for only 30 miles away. Zero degrees tonight seems like a piece of cake. Keep those faucets dripping.

Might be fun. Watch the top clip for context
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Here is the clip Matt was referring to;
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“All the noise that goes on within your fanbase or another fanbase where he came from”

Nate Ament plays at a school about an hour from Washington and has a game tonight. Could be a sign Wilson is UNC bound and now the staff is going after Ament

Well, now we aren't the only ones with that fat black mark on our record.
I didn't expect OSU to even be close at Purdue.

I miss the guy who used to give us the highlights of the Coaches show for those who couldn’t listen.

I ran last night’s transcript through AI to see what it would spit out.
Hope this helps. Remember, it AI, it’s not perfect.

The show starts with a brief introduction by Tom Leach, setting the scene and mentioning the upcoming game against Vanderbilt. He highlights Kentucky's ranking in the AP poll and the strength of the SEC.

Autopsy of the Alabama Game:
Leach initiates the discussion by asking Pope for his analysis of the Alabama game. Pope emphasizes the importance of focusing on areas of improvement despite the loss.
"I try not to be negative, but we did lose that game so much so there was a lot of good. There were some things that we really spectacled."
He points to their high hit percentage as a positive sign, even though they gave up a lot of offensive rebounds.
“We gave up fifteen offensive rebounds and it was our highest hit percentage, the second highest hit percentage game of the season."
Pope acknowledges the need to reduce fouls and improve "the next level of cuts" on offense.
"We're spending an insane amount of time right now on fouls..."
"That's the next iteration of the game, and that's a space where we're showing signs that we can really grow."
Learning the SEC:
Leach brings up the fact that both Pope and his players are new to the SEC. Pope discusses the dynamic nature of the league and the challenges of adjusting to a new environment.
"I think the league is learning also. I think all of us are learning."
"The league is so dynamic, has changed so much."
He emphasizes the competitiveness of the SEC and sees it as a positive challenge.
"It's a beautiful time to be in the SEC."
Developing Offensive Plays:
Leach and Pope delve into a deeper discussion about offensive strategies, specifically the need for players to make cuts and be available for passes after a drive to the basket.
"And it ends up being a one on one, you know, in the game, in the game of basketball, the way we played where I was trying to earn power play."
Pope uses the analogy of a "power play" in hockey to explain how they try to create situations where they have a numerical advantage on offense.
"So if you if you think about if you're a hockey fan, you understand the power play is when you have somebody that's thrown in a penalty box and so you have a one person advantage on the floor."
He explains how different teams defend this strategy and how Kentucky needs to adapt.
"Alabama is the exact opposite. They live in a space a little bit more like us where they're saying, hey, we're not gonna actually let you get power plays..."

Mark Pope Discusses MLK Day:
Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.:
Pope shares his thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and how the team has been learning about the civil rights movement during their travels.
"It was really great to watch our guys kind of soaked that up."
He highlights a powerful quote from MLK: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."
"And you think about the environment that he was not existing in but he was leading in and to be able to hold on to that concept, right..."

Questions from X (formerly Twitter) and the Audience:
@Joe - Toughness and Learning:
Pope responds to a tweet from @Joe about the tough Alabama game and emphasizes the importance of learning from the experience.
"It was a tough, tough day for all of us, but it was it was a great day. It was it was great basketball, and it left us feeling like, man, our ceiling is so much higher..."

Alumni Hall Fan Question - Brandon: Focus with Extra Time:
Pope addresses a question about how the team is using the extra time this week to improve. He highlights the focus on reducing fouls
“We're we're actually spent a lot of time on fouls and and that's really important, you know."
He discusses the importance of learning the "SEC whistle" and how they are analyzing trends in officiating to adjust their play.
"The truth is is that usually when you go back and watch the film that the officiating my not be what you're used to or how you would correlate things with the book, but there is some consistency to the officiating..."

Lindsay (Live Audience) - Pregame Routine and Hype Song:
Pope answers a question about his pregame routine, including whether he has a hype song. He describes his consistent routine, including a power nap and pregame meetings, but reveals he no longer uses a hype song.
“I always still I still try and squeeze it a power nap, a twenty seven minute NASA power nap."
“I do not have a hype song."

Superstitions:
* Prompted by a question about superstitions, Pope shares a humorous anecdote about his past use of Kenny G as pregame music.
I used to be super superstitious. I used to be ridiculous superstitious."
“There was actually a time where my pregame music was that Kenny G soundtrack is as embarrassing as that."

@Olivia - Women's Basketball Team:
Pope responds to a tweet from @Olivia about the women's basketball team. He expresses his support for the team and Coach Brooks, acknowledging their success.
"I am following kind of from a distance, like the incredible work that they're doing."
"I know Coach Brooks and the women's team is just crushing it..."

* Terry (Shepherdsville) - Free Throws and Kerr Kriisa Update:
Pope addresses a question about free throws and provides an update on Kerr Kriisa's injury. He acknowledges the need to improve their discipline in guarding without fouling.
"We're working hard at that. We you know, it's it's interesting because in the non conference, we're one of the top teams guarding without fouling..."
He discusses the importance of limiting fouls and its impact on the flow of the game and player rotations.
"It also is so disruptive to the flow of the game and the energy of the game, which is what we thrive on."

Pope provides an update on Kriisa's recovery, stating that they will have more information in the coming weeks.
"We're gonna know more in the next few weeks about whether this is gonna kind of turn the corner and be really quick on the quicker side, or if this is going to be a more complicated recovery."
Bob (Jamestown) - Free Throw Practice:
Pope answers a question about the time spent on free throw practice. He explains their approach, which includes game situations, skill sessions, and individual work.
"We're spending a lot of time on shooting free throws. We're trying to spend more time on not giving the other team opportunities to shoot free throws."
He emphasizes the importance of practicing free throws under pressure and in various game-like scenarios.
"And then we'll also two or three, sometimes four times a week. We'll do individual work where just one guy is coming in with a coach in the morning, and free throws are always a component of that is really important."

Silent Free Throws:
Leach follows up on the previous question by asking about the silent free throw routine at the end of shootarounds. Pope explains the reasoning behind it, emphasizing the importance of focus and concentration.
"I love that time as a prep for the game when all you hear is a ball bouncing or a ball swishing and the whole rupp arena is just dead silent."
He shares a humorous anecdote about his wife Leanne and her friends struggling to remain silent during the routine.

Darren (Bowling Green) - Shout-out and Appreciation:
Pope responds to a caller who expresses appreciation for how Pope has revitalized his wife's love for Kentucky basketball.

"Amelia, I think I read some of those texts after that. We took the l the other night. Take it easy, miss Amelia..."
He praises the players for their effort and dedication, highlighting their passion for representing Kentucky.

@Madison - Andrew's Back Injury:
Pope addresses a question about the extent of Andrew's back injury. While he can't provide specifics due to HIPAA regulations, he assures listeners that Andrew is receiving treatment and working hard to recover.
"He is, Uh, he's undergoing every treatment under the sun..."

@Caitlin - Coaching Journey:
Pope answers a question about whether he would have become a coach if he hadn't played at Kentucky. He reflects on his time as a player and credits Coach Pitino's influence for inspiring him to enter the coaching profession.
"When I was here at Kentucky, Uh, there was no way in the world I was ever going to become a coach. Never."
He acknowledges that Kentucky was always his dream coaching job.
"It's the best job in the world. It's actually the top of everybody's list. I really believe that."

@Snowman - Practicing in Rupp Arena
Pope answers a question about how often the team practices in Rupp Arena. He explains that they practice there the day before every game and have extended practices in the fall.
"We're in RUPP pretty much every the day before every game..."

Ken - Defensive Focus:
Pope elaborates on areas of focus on defense, including rebounding, ball screen defense, and rim protection.
"We're still staying with the glass. That's gonna be a work in progress all season long..."
“Ballscreen defense has been a major point of emphasis..."
* "...the efficiency of our rim protection is massively important."

I have heard some news in the past hour on the recruitment. I am 90 to 95% sure that he will announce for North Carolina this week. It would take a total reversal for anything differently to happen.

Tennessee is mediocre without him. Shut him down and Tennessee is very beatable. Thoughts?

I am seeing Wilson predictions for UNC for Wilson. If so, who is on our radar for PF next year? Ament? I didn't see him list UK in his top 5 schools. Most of the top 100 HS players have picked their schools.
Looks like the portal is where Pope will go for PF and another center?

Airs February 10 on vice. Wow. I had no idea this was coming but it should be an interesting watch. Rick Pitino has one coming up as well.

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So, this older man was hit by a car or truck on his bicycle. The police pulled up and the old guy was trying to get his stuff together and looking for his wallet when the cop decided to bash his head against the blacktop for not listening to him.

The older fellow had a brain bleed and spent the night in jail for being intoxicated. There are other videos on this. He was not intoxicated. He died of a stroke shortly afterward related to the policeman attacking him. The police did a bang up internal investigation on this and found no wrongdoing. The district attorney or county attorney or whatever in Texas followed up with his own investigation and the policeman was arrested. He is still awaiting trial. If you need someone for the jury, I'm available.

All of the snow is predicted to be SOUTH of Tennessee and Virginia. We will see if it actually happens!!!

-snow in most of Louisiana, as much as 5”, ice as well
- snow (dusting) in Florida panhandle
- much of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia
- North Carolina, including the southern coast (where I live) 5-8” of snow

This wasn't nearly as back and forth as you might have imagined. Kentucky made a very strong impression on his visit, but apparently other visits went well, too.

My understanding is Michigan was probably second and Nebraska was third. Coveted line prospect because all these schools had a belief that their S&C program could unlock a new level for him.

OT's are very hard to come by and Wolford landed one of the bigger prizes out there.

Have heard it is probably the biggest NIL package that a player has received from Kentucky which speaks to how much of a need he was.

Wolford took a very quiet/secret visit out to meet with the family a little while back and that is when they really locked things down. Nothing got out about that because folks didn't want a long line of other coaches making a trip out to try and change the direction things were on.

Pete is going to be a spring enrollee which is big for his development...

This also allows UK to go a number of directions with the other guys they've got. Whereas before you may have had either Unamba or Wollschlaeger playing slightly out of position at left tackle, now those guys can battle for the right tackle spot with Unamba possibly having guard ability as well. We haven't seen that kind of depth or versatility in a little while at Kentucky.

No guarantee it's a really good line but they have the PARTS to be a legitimate SEC offensive line and that was essential. Whatever someone thinks about how next year goes, I think you have to be somewhat impressed with what they put together up front as far as an OL haul.

I tell you what, I'm impressed with Vanderbilt, they will not go away. They play hard, they run good stuff, their defense is not making it easy for Bama to score and they rebound well.

Bama is up 19 now, but Vandy keeps coming back.

I really hope Pope figures something out to change the narrative on defense this week. We are dead last in a lot of categories. We would be last in a lot of other conferences too. That's kind of disturbing.

** A couple of weeks ago UK added a commitment from long snapper David LaGanga. Says he benches 385 pounds and runs a 4.73. He was a really good long snapper at Lehigh and has a chance for a big role on UK's special teams unit moving forward.

** According to The D Zone, an X account that specializes in Michigan prep football, 2026 OT Travis Robertson of West Bloomfield, Mich., will be visiting Kentucky on Feb. 1. He has offers from Kentucky, Colorado, and others. Definitely someone to watch given Wolford's emphasis on Michigan and Tennessee and the visit. Robertson will also be visiting Miami-OH on 1/19 and NC State on 1/25. He has teased that a decision could be coming sometime after that.

** Just a few days ago Michigan 2026 prospect Jack Janda took an unofficial visit to Kentucky. He's a three-star (5.6 RR) tight end from Novi (Mich.) Detroit Central Catholic and has offers from the likes of UK, UofL, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Stanford, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. He's visited Michigan State an awful lot in the past and was there the day after he was at UK.

** New in-state offer went out a few days ago to Boyle County OL/DL Christian Bryant. It's his first big offer and given how frequently UK visits Boyle and the recent addition of Montavin Quisenberry this will be one to watch in a few years and we'll be tracking his development.

** Let's keep it in state, as Vince Marrow also recently extended an offer to Grayden Reid of Atherton in Louisville. He's a Chris Vaughn (Aspirations) guy. Though he's a 2028 prospect he's already 6'3, 185-pounds, and the Kentucky offer was followed quickly by offers from Miami-OH and the Florida Gators so that will be something to watch.

** Another in-state offer out to a high school football prospect. This one went to Hank James, a 5'11 defensive back from Paducah Tilghman. He also has offers from UMass, Maryland, Troy, and Miami-OH.

** Alex Bolar is not a Kentuckian, but he's a noteworthy player who pickd up an offer from UK recently as well. He attends Archbishop Moeller and we know UK has recruited that school with success lately. The 6'4, 290-pound offensive lineman is a 2027 prospect and this is his first Division 1 offer.

** Marrow visited Moeller and that's when Bolar picked up the offer but he's far from the only prospect of note at the school. UK had already offered 2026 tight end Sam Hamilton from the school.

** Matt Ponatoski is the 2026 quarterback to land an offer from Kentucky most recently. He's a baseball player who landed an offer on a trip to the school for the diamond. The 2026 quarterback from Archbishop Moeller is TBD on what sport he'll play in college. Cincinnati, Vandy, and Purdue are some of his other football offers and some top tier programs have offered for baseball. Highly regarded four-star prospect on Rivals. Any QB offer will be significant, and a 2026 QB offer to a Moeller quarterback who just visited would rate even higher on that scale. But there are added variables given how sought after he is and the two sport question.

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** Mark Stoops, Vince Marrow, and Brad White all stopped by CAL (in Louisville) to speak with the team. A place where they obviously want to have a strong presence and the visits by three staff members reflects that.

** Vince Marrow stopped by North Hardin recently and one of the players of interest was Josiah Hope, a Class of 2026 (6'3, 300) defensive lineman from the school. He has offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Purdue, and Auburn among others.

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** While in Louisville, Kentucky's coaches stopped by St. Xavier and LB Karsten Busch is a priority there. The 6'3, 225-pound inside linebacker from the 2026 class has offers from Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, UK, UofL, Michigan State, Purdue, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. He's been to UK a bunch of times but Mike Stoops, Mark Stoops, and Brad White were all there. Someone they want to be a part of that '26 class.

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** Another inside linebacker in Mark Stoops' sights for the 2026 cycle is CJ Sanna of Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy. The 6'3, 225-pounder is ranked the No. 26 player in Ohio by Rivals, a three-star (5.6) prospect, and he just took an unofficial visit to Michigan State. He has offers from the likes of Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, and Pitt, among others, so it's mostly a regional/power conference level battle.

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** Eric Wolford has some new 2026 offensive line targets and one is Hendersonville (Tenn.) Beech offensive tackle Jack Fuchs, a 6'8, 290 towering specimen. He landed an offer from UK recently. Others to offer include K-State, Kansas, Arkansas, Miss St, Memphis, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, Indiana, Vanderbilt, and Cincinnati. Length is definitely in focus in the tackles UK is recruiting.

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** Another new OL target in TN's 2026 class is Charlie Edgeworth who we mentioned during the week. He's 6'7, 325, so has tremendous length as well. These are going to be sought after players but UK is in the mix and should have no trouble getting guys from there to visit, he did the first time he was their OL coach.

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** Jayden Petit is listed as a tight end on Rivals, a four-star, but its WR coach L'Damian Washington who is recruiting the 6'4, 202-pounder from Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy. He's one of the recent 2026 receivers to land an offer from Kentucky's new receivers coach. Lots of offers here already: Auburn, Florida, Miami, Mizzou, UNC, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, etc.

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** UK stopped by Community Schoolf of Naples, and the school is home to a sought-after interior lineman from the 2026 class in George Haseotes. No word on how much of a shot Kentucky has but he would be the most obvious reason for the visit there.

UK's coaches have been on the road lately and they have hit a ton of schools. Some of them include:

Warrensville (Ohio)
CAL (Louisville)
North Hardin
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
St. Xavier (Louisville)
Plant (Tampa, FL)
East Robertson (Tennessee)
Detroit Central Catholic
Kirkwood (Tennessee)
Paducah Tilghman
Community School of Naples (Fla)

Add to the depression and optimism

https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/ar...ankings-for-2025-where-does-arch-manning-rank

Have done this before with players that I think would be good fits at UK, and some players that I think will make a jump. Cason Wallace was the most notable, as he was ranked outside the top-100 at the time. Here’s a list below of guys that haven’t been linked to UK yet.

Trey Thompson (6’8” F. Offers from Tennessee, Purdue, Xavier, Virginia Tech, and Xavier. Inside-out ability, solid athleticism, and comfortable as a passer and handler)

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Toni Bryant (6’9” F. Offers from everywhere. This addition would inject athleticism, rim protection, and intriguing perimeter flashes into the lineup)

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Hugo Yimga (6’9” W. No public offers claimed. Top-10 player in the class world wide. Great tools and body to build on. Been some talk of coming to the US for prep but hasn’t happened yet. Possibility of going pro.)

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Tonight at 7 o’clock on SEC Network…. Anything we can learn from it coming off playing Bama & in preparation for Saturday at Vandy….