Kyle Tucker Tweet (Pope Interview)

[JPFisher]

Apologies to anyone who can't access Twitter at the moment, but this is a wall of text.


1. Pope is trying to use the word "passionate" instead of "crazy" – seems like a very intentional pivot.

2. Pope is getting to know Butler. Had to take a quick call mid-interview with his new PG.

3. Pope is a genuinely good dude who didn't want Carr's parents overexerting themselves.

4. The dude handles the pressure of being a local celebrity and legend very well so far.

5. The man is the Energizer Bunny personified. Just keeps going.

I hope he's able to relax for a week and take some time for himself. 🎶They say his pace would kill a normal man.🎵

 

[Tubbyfan78]

I love this dude. Such a breath of fresh air.

 

[MachineHead1]

Lamont Butler is his point guard. That answers that question.

 

[KentuckyCat420]

He’s my favorite coach of all time without ever coaching a game here. If you don’t just love this guy you should prob GTFO.

 

[BlueRunner11]

Lamont Butler is his point guard. That answers that question.

Yeah Torres is pretty close to that situation and stated Lamont Butler was told he was coming here to be THE PG. and again, it was pretty obvious how Pope dropped everything and took all the staff to go after this guy on a moments notice.

I get the shooting concerns a lot of folks have (I do think those numbers will improve) but have to trust the staff on this one. There’s a reason they went all in and wanted this guy so much.

 

[Smashcat]

hehe

 

[JPFisher]

hehe

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Pope is flying to California in a private jet and then taking a private yacht to Hawaii, confirmed. Who's he visiting? When?

 

[JwUKFan11]

That last part is a direct shot at Cal lol

 

[BBNWildcats4life]

I love the fact that Steve Zahn lives in Scott County and is such a huge fan and ambassador for the University, Saving Silverman is underrated. I still get excited (from afar) when I see him grocery shopping.

Also, you can tell Pope either kept up with UK and what has been happening the last few years or his old teammates still connected to the program/area had him in some group text or something telling him what was going on.

There are just too many subtle (and not so subtle) callbacks to the last guy that he addresses often in public and during interviews.

 

[dl51344]

Yeah Torres is pretty close to that situation and stated Lamont Butler was told he was coming here to be THE PG. and again, it was pretty obvious how Pope dropped everything and took all the staff to go after this guy on a moments notice.

I get the shooting concerns a lot of folks have (I do think those numbers will improve) but have to trust the staff on this one. There’s a reason they went all in and wanted this guy so much.

This is the reason Coach Pope will be very successful. He sees things most don't. He sees a reason to have Butler as pt guard which goes beyond just basketball skills. Those things are what makes a successful team. Skill alone does not make a winner.

 

[JPFisher]

This is the reason Coach Pope will be very successful. He sees things most don't. He sees a reason to have Butler as pt guard which goes beyond just basketball skills. Those things are what makes a successful team. Skill alone does not make a winner.

Lamont hit 34% from three the year before last. Hit a slump last year, which a few SDSU fans think was a result of his celebrity status stemming from "the shot." I think he can bump that % up past his career best season, significantly, at UK. If not, he's still a clutch player and an experienced PG.

 

[BlueRunner11]

I love the fact that Steve Zahn lives in Scott County and is such a huge fan and ambassador for the University, Saving Silverman is underrated. I still get excited (from afar) when I see him grocery shopping.

Also, you can tell Pope either kept up with UK and what has been happening the last few years or his old teammates still connected to the program/area had him in some group text or something telling him what was going on.

There are just too many subtle (and not so subtle) callbacks to the last guy that he addresses often in public and during interviews.

One of my favorite movies.

 

[jfinman]

Anthony Epps was not a highly skilled basketball player, but he was a smart basketball player. Rick Pitino has said many times, without Epps as the PG, UK would not have won the 1996 championship.

 

[Big BlueBeard]

Lamont Butler is his point guard. That answers that question.

I don't get the negative vibes on Butler. I'd guess there are some who have piped off about him that know zero or very little about his game.

 

[TTTblue24]

I’d still like to have Robinson, I think we could use a guy that potentially can get a bucket or create for someone else on the perimeter. Sounds we want to add a couple more after the draft process etc & excited to see how the team develops & performs.

 

[Catfan2226]

Lamont hit 34% from three the year before last. Hit a slump last year, which a few SDSU fans think was a result of his celebrity status stemming from "the shot." I think he can bump that % up past his career best season, significantly, at UK. If not, he's still a clutch player and an experienced PG.

The experience factor and flat out defensive pressure is why Pope wanted Butler.
I love Butlers game and I think once we start playing and fans realize all the little things Lamont does throughout a game, they are gonna feel the same way.
He's a winner and I'm damn glad we have him

 

[Elliott Tim]

Apologies to anyone who can't access Twitter at the moment, but this is a wall of text.

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1. Pope is trying to use the word "passionate" instead of "crazy" – seems like a very intentional pivot.

2. Pope is getting to know Butler. Had to take a quick call mid-interview with his new PG.

3. Pope is a genuinely good dude who didn't want Carr's parents overexerting themselves.

4. The dude handles the pressure of being a local celebrity and legend very well so far.

5. The man is the Energizer Bunny personified. Just keeps going.

I hope he's able to relax for a week and take some time for himself. 🎶They say his pace would kill a normal man.🎵

Nice post.

 

[MachineHead1]

I don't get the negative vibes on Butler. I'd guess there are some who have piped off about him that know zero or very little about his game.

I don’t either. The dude is a winner and a defensive stud.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Pope is trying to use the word "passionate" instead of "crazy" – seems like a very intentional pivot.

His messaging is elite and this is another example. It both 1) turns a negative into a positive and 2) puts to bed one of Cal's terms.

I actually think he will grow to be an elite recruiter himself, he just had zero experience, relationship, or infrastructure. Thankfully AB had all that in spades which will absolutely be quickly absorbed by pope in case AB moves on.

 

[TheBlueMist]

Mark Pope is the kind of high-energy coach a small school takes a gamble on and the loses after a few year to a marquee school. Louisville's coach reminds me of this type of coach.

But here's the thing...Pope is a UK grad at his alma mater with no aspiration to go anywhere but here. The verdict is still out on how successful he will be, but if his work ethic translates to wins, we may finally break the "you need to leave this job after 10 years" trend with a longtime winner that admires the fanbase and doesn't resent their passion. I love what I am hearing/reading/seeing so far.

 

[Farsight]

I love Pope man. He gets it. He's one of us. He was during the TRUE ERA of UK BASKETBALL.

Yes.... Rick Pitino cared for, understood and respected our tradition 100% more than Cal did when he was here.

Anyways....

It's real nice that Pope can string coherent sentences together to understand what he's talking about.

 

[BGWentworth]

I trust Pope, but I’ll be surprised if a guy that shot 30% from 3 and 59% from the FT line last year manages to be our starting pg throughout the year. Those are not just poor stats, they are bottom of the bench type of numbers. I see him more as a defensive specialist but we’ll see.

 

[Tubbyfan78]

I trust Pope, but I’ll be surprised if a guy that shot 30% from 3 and 59% from the FT line last year manages to be our starting pg throughout the year. Those are not just poor stats, they are bottom of the bench type of numbers. I see him more as a defensive specialist but we’ll see.

How did you feel about Cliff Hawkins? SDS offense is not efficient. They are a defensive oriented system. Like Hawkins, Butler is a threat on offense, it's just not his biggest threat. He is a floor general and lock down defender. Don't be stats guy, especially without giving them context. Stats without context are just numbers.

 

[Drohleder]

Mark Pope is the kind of high-energy coach a small school takes a gamble on and the loses after a few year to a marquee school. Louisville's coach reminds me of this type of coach.

But here's the thing...Pope is a UK grad at his alma mater with no aspiration to go anywhere but here. The verdict is still out on how successful he will be, but if his work ethic translates to wins, we may finally break the "you need to leave this job after 10 years" trend with a longtime winner that admires the fanbase and doesn't resent their passion. I love what I am hearing/reading/seeing so far.

What happened to Tyler Ulis?

 

[TheBlueMist]

What happened to Tyler Ulis?

Didn't run out of grad assist time? I have no idea. Would love to have him still involved with the program.

 

[CatPatrick13]

How in the world can Mahaney not be impressed? But maybe UConn has something similar? lol.

 

[trueblujr2]

Lamont Butler is his point guard. That answers that question.

No it doesn't, he said he tried to recruit Kriisa two other times as well and finally got him, so he's obviously intending him to be a key player as well.

 

[BGWentworth]

How did you feel about Cliff Hawkins? SDS offense is not efficient. They are a defensive oriented system. Like Hawkins, Butler is a threat on offense, it's just not his biggest threat. He is a floor general and lock down defender. Don't be stats guy, especially without giving them context. Stats without context are just numbers.

So somebody that shoots below 60% from the FT line can blame that on the “system” they play in? You’ll have to explain that to me. Defense is great, but it’s only part of the game.

 

[ib4ky]

From what I've watched of Butler, he reminds me alot of Maruis Teague, similar solid build, really good handle, tough on ball defender who picks up full court, gets to the rim fairly easy, average outside shooter, VERY experienced, has started in 102 of 131 college basketball games!! I wish UK had him last year against Oakland. Rather have him playing FOR UK than against them!!!

Also, about Kriis, from what I've watched, he is very skilled offensively (little undisciplined at times), average defender, can get his shot anytime, good passer, fearless and not timid (funny video of him and Doncic jawing with each other), he will NOT be afraid to try and make a play or to take a pressure shot. Rather have him playing FOR UK than against them!!!

I think UK really needs one more guard (Poplar/ Lanier/ Shulga/ TBD) on the roster to be interchangeable with these two to round out the roster and enhance Pope's 5-Out offense strategy along with Chandler and Perry getting accustomed to the college game....

 

[sambowieshin]

I love Pope man. He gets it. He's one of us. He was during the TRUE ERA of UK BASKETBALL.

Yes.... Rick Pitino cared for, understood and respected our tradition 100% more than Cal did when he was here.

Anyways....

It's real nice that Pope can string coherent sentences together to understand what he's talking about.

Looking back...It becomes more clear every day that Cal NEVER really saw himself as one of us. His cutesy subtle little jabs were done from on high and not from within.
This was just a bad marriage that is better off dissolved in the interest of both parties.

 

[Tubbyfan78]

So somebody that shoots below 60% from the FT line can blame that on the “system” they play in? You’ll have to explain that to me. Defense is great, but it’s only part of the game.

You'll have to show me where I said his free throw shooting was on the system. He's a similar player to Cliff Hawkins. Cliff couldn't shoot either but was an effective enough offensive player and his shooting improved, including his free throw % as he aged. Cliffs real value though was running and initiating the offense and on the defensive side of the ball. They're very similar guards.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

I really like MP. Just seems like a good dude.

I hope he kills it here.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Apologies to anyone who can't access Twitter at the moment, but this is a wall of text.

View embedded media

1. Pope is trying to use the word "passionate" instead of "crazy" – seems like a very intentional pivot.

2. Pope is getting to know Butler. Had to take a quick call mid-interview with his new PG.

3. Pope is a genuinely good dude who didn't want Carr's parents overexerting themselves.

4. The dude handles the pressure of being a local celebrity and legend very well so far.

5. The man is the Energizer Bunny personified. Just keeps going.

I hope he's able to relax for a week and take some time for himself. 🎶They say his pace would kill a normal man.🎵

The guy is pure “passion.” Wow!

 

[MegaBlue05]

I don't get the negative vibes on Butler. I'd guess there are some who have piped off about him that know zero or very little about his game.

Some fans only lazily look at shooting stats and don’t take other important factors such as defense, toughness and intangibles into consideration.

 

[Tubbyfan78]

Some fans only lazily look at shooting stats and don’t take other important factors such as defense, toughness and intangibles into consideration.

Stats without analytics are just numbers. It drives me insane. Points per game is usually a better indicator of how many points a team scores and how many shots the guy gets in their offense. Where people usually think it means how good of a scorer the person may be. It's like only getting half the equation.

 

[trueblujr2]

So Pope Drove to Nashville so Carrs mom wouldn't have to drive him up here. First does Carr have a Drivers License? but second, Pope did it because he said his mom was probably tired and had no business driving him up that late, so he decided to make that round trip to Nashville on his own to get her. How much sleep was Pope making that trip on?

You can't tell me he's not sneaking some caffeine in there somewhere, LOL.

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

Looking back...It becomes more clear every day that Cal NEVER really saw himself as one of us. His cutesy subtle little jabs were done from on high and not from within.
This was just a bad marriage that is better off dissolved in the interest of both parties.

 

[MrHotDice]

So Pope Drove to Nashville so Carrs mom wouldn't have to drive him up here. First does Carr have a Drivers License? but second, Pope did it because he said his mom was probably tired and had no business driving him up that late, so he decided to make that round trip to Nashville on his own to get her. How much sleep was Pope making that
You can't tell me he's not sneaking some caffeine in there somewhere, LOL.

Moms remember those who are kind to their son. Would our previous coach have made the effort?

 

[CincinnatiWildcat]

Also worth noting the stark difference between “haven’t seen him” and taking a phone call from your point guard mid-interview and just putting the media guy on hold.

 

[blue cincy]

I trust Pope, but I’ll be surprised if a guy that shot 30% from 3 and 59% from the FT line last year manages to be our starting pg throughout the year. Those are not just poor stats, they are bottom of the bench type of numbers. I see him more as a defensive specialist but we’ll see.

He was in a slump some last year and SDSU played through their center (think of UK and Oscar). it did not work out for them either.

Year before butler shot 73% from foul line and was in the mid 30s% from 3. He is much better than you all want to act. You will see he will be a very good if not one of the better players we have. He just wants to win for his team, which means he will get the balls to scorers, he will guard a panzer tank if asked to and he is not afraid to take a shot if others are being shut down. Also Kriisa is much better than most on here want to admit.

If we do not get another point guard we will be fine. I do believe we are still looking for the best at the Point, PF and another scorer. We might not get them but he will try.