Listen...
There are a ton of threads on here about half of us going berserk because we are missing out on some of our top prospects. Does it suck? Yes. Does this year define the state of our program?
No!
Lets take some things into perspective...
Cal is responsible for changing the culture and atmosphere around UK basketball. He made it HIS version of the university, where the tradition, fan base and winning, and titles where not priority. It wasn't obvious his first half of his tenure, but it was gradually exposed his second half. It was always about what he did for the NBA draft nights and getting freshman to the NBA. Hardly anything regarding our storied program.
Perception is reality....
Here are some things to consider after you take a few deep breaths...
- Pope is unproven and at a high tier job. ( Dan Hurley was unproven and made his mark at Uconn | I hope this happens for Pope but quicker )
- Pope has to prove his system works at a high level. ( It will, but players may need to see it first )
- Pope has to revamp the entire culture at UK that Cal has gradually disdained over time.
- This year is kind of a throw away year to a certain degree because of how fast Pope has to create a roster
- The MOST IMPORTANT thing to consider is the course over the next 3-4 years under Pope.
- Does he improve year to year?
- Do we lock in 1-2 high level freshman and Portal guys?
- Do we make the NCAA tournament?
- Do we get out of the first weekend of the NCAA tournament?
- Can we win SECT and SEC Regular Season Titles?
I challenge all of you to look at the bigger picture and comprehend that. Most of the bigger picture is unknown, but it does seem hopeful.
Give Pope time, chill and relax. Pope's true first season is next year. That's when it's fair to start to judge his work.
I hope this helps.
