“This is the best shooting team I’ve ever been a part of”

[TankedCat]

Cal always says its about the kids, but after 2012, it wasn't about the kids, it was about him and creating this legacy.

He didn't see it as the Kentucky program, it was HIS program, and apparently he surrounded himself with people who let him think that.

As far as I'm concerned whatever he did here is tarnished by his ego and his faux humility. Maybe 10 years from now people will look back, bring him back and allow him to have a speech where he talks about all the great things he did here and then ultimately turn it into a plea for his statue next to Rupp and sainthood in the Catholic church. But for now, I don't want to hear a peep out of the guy for a long time.

Pope is built differently, and lets be honest - its why he got the job. Barnhart has a history of hiring the replacement to address the most glaring weakness of his predecessor.

The glaring differences are obvious - and intentional.

 

[NociHTTP]

Cal always says its about the kids, but after 2012, it wasn't about the kids, it was about him and creating this legacy.

He didn't see it as the Kentucky program, it was HIS program, and apparently he surrounded himself with people who let him think that.

As far as I'm concerned whatever he did here is tarnished by his ego and his faux humility. Maybe 10 years from now people will look back, bring him back and allow him to have a speech where he talks about all the great things he did here and then ultimately turn it into a plea for his statue next to Rupp and sainthood in the Catholic church. But for now, I don't want to hear a peep out of the guy for a long time.

Pope is built differently, and lets be honest - its why he got the job. Barnhart has a history of hiring the replacement to address the most glaring weakness of his predecessor.

The glaring differences are obvious - and intentional.

Excellent, excellent post!

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

How does every thread devolve into a discussion about Cal.

 

[trueblujr2]

Popino's Bombinos (iykyk)

How about Mark's Marksmen

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

How about Mark's Marksmen

Pope's Pop-a-shots...

 

[STL_Cat]

Well I didn't mean to start something with the nicknames ... I actually think they're super corny. Just wanted to do a callback, haha. I had a Pitino's Bombinos hat back in 91.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

It finally feels like we have a coach and team playing to win for us and the program again. It seemed like under Cal it was all about NBA. Every season was getting to know new freshman who wanted to leave before they got here. Yeah we wanna win but the season is just to show off for scouts with a little talk about wanting to win some games but it’s not a big deal if we don’t win anything.

This! So glad Cal is gone! I’m even more excited about Mark Pope being our head coach. He’s a great basketball mind and a legacy as he was the captain of the best team in our history. IMO, the best team in college basketball history.

I honestly believe this team is really gonna surprise some people. An elite shooting team with rugged and versatile big men. Not to mention, this is the most experienced team we’ve EVER had. That’s incredible to even think about. Wouldn’t shock me at all to see them in the Final Four.

 

[THE_HOOK]

Cal always says its about the kids, but after 2012, it wasn't about the kids, it was about him and creating this legacy.

He didn't see it as the Kentucky program, it was HIS program, and apparently he surrounded himself with people who let him think that.

As far as I'm concerned whatever he did here is tarnished by his ego and his faux humility. Maybe 10 years from now people will look back, bring him back and allow him to have a speech where he talks about all the great things he did here and then ultimately turn it into a plea for his statue next to Rupp and sainthood in the Catholic church. But for now, I don't want to hear a peep out of the guy for a long time.

Pope is built differently, and lets be honest - its why he got the job. Barnhart has a history of hiring the replacement to address the most glaring weakness of his predecessor.

The glaring differences are obvious - and intentional.

Agreed, Cal felt UK basketball was about him and his ego. It was sooo damn obvious.

 

[JimboBBN]

I think the team is saying what most of us fans kinda already knew. Or at least hoped for. If we are even close to being great on defense, it’s going to be hard for anyone to beat us.

 

[vernoncoy]

I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much. Been there, done that. Hurts.

Here's all I want out of this season:

1. Restore that fun feeling to UK basketball- revive the spirit of what it's supposed to be
2. Win a few big games- Duke would be nice, but I get that it's the first major game. Beating Arky and UofL are musts.
3. Make Saturday of the SECT at least. It's been too damn long.
4. Make the second weekend of the NCAAT. That's nearly a must at this point.
5. No coach issues- No leaving conferences early or not showing up (unless a true emergency of course); don't talk down to fans or be coy. (I don't think this will really be an issue)



Hardly any team does that anymore sadly.
1) A lot of coaches just don't teach that level of defensive intensity
2) Finding players that will commit to that is tough; just isn't the style of defense anymore

"don't talk down to fans or be coy." I agree, but nothing wrong with being a Coy! LOL

 

[FtWorthCat]

If you are only going to be good at one thing as a basketball player, be a good shooter. I've played against a lot of guys who could jump out of the gym, but couldn't make a jump shot.

 

[yoshukai]

It's worse than that now. The last two teams he coached here were pathetic defensively. Good luck, Arkansas.

I agree with everything you said except your last statement.

 

[Lempface]

I feel this UK squad is going run some teams off the floor.

Im anxious to see our defense in action, because there are going to be off shooting nights; that’s okay as long as the defense is up to task.

I think we can score points on anyone, season will ultimately be about if we can be good enough on defense to not let the other teams match us. We just need to be serviceable IMO, elite O with serviceable D should be good enough to compete with anyone.