Mark Pope = Class

[AirRaid08]

On a night where he should be celebrated, basking in his glory of being in his prime, at the peak of his career, in the best job in all of Basketball.

When most would think they had arrived, make it about themselves even just for a moment, he takes the opportunity to do something that was long overdue and help heal some old wounds for allot of people by not making it about himself and bringing out the most polarizing figure in our programs history.

Knowing that would be the most memorable thing about the night, and be the headline.

It’s not and it’s never been about him and that’s why we had to love this guy.

 

[bnewt]

He sure seems to be the perfect fit

 

[ORCAT]

Also introducing all his assistants, trainers and other staff all the way down to video man was very classy. Did our former coaches ever do anything like that at Madness. I thought that was great class to recognize all his support in front of 20,000.

 

[cat tat2]

Every coach we’ve had that was worth his salt won a championship. Coach Pope a man of integrity with work ethic, intelligence and love for the job. Give him the resources, support and intangibles of UK and great things will happen. IMO

 

[Cowtown Cat]

I said several months ago, during last season, that Pope would kill it here. I was laughed at and ridiculed on here beyond belief. I know it’s still really early, but this seems to be the absolute perfect fit. Here’s to hoping Pope is extremely successful here and hopefully is in the seat until retirement. GBB!

EDIT - Have always wanted a former UK player to be head coach here. A real UK guy. Doesn’t get much better in that regard than Mark Pope IMO!

 

[fisherscatfan]

Also introducing all his assistants, trainers and other staff all the way down to video man was very classy. Did our former coaches ever do anything like that at Madness. I thought that was great class to recognize all his support in front of 20,000.

Agree! And as I was watching reactions, it sure seemed to me some of the staff were surprised in a very good way by this. Pope sure seems to be a genuine man and I hope he will be wildly successful here for more reasons than because he is winning.

 

[TOMCATS1990]

Pope was the homerun hire BBN needed and has basically overnight united all of us. It’s unbelievable that Barney fumbled and bumbled his way into it but super happy he did.

 

[yoshukai]

I have a connection with someone who works in the athletics department. He is responsible for things at the facilities(among other things). In Popes first week at UK he was summoned to a meeting with coach Pope where CMP lined out exactly what he wanted and expected from him , when to open and close the practice facility, things like that . They regularly cross paths during the days and CMP always speaks and calls him by name . He said Cal never met with him and probably didn’t even know his name .

This is not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it just shows me how thorough CMP goes about his job . Personally making sure the lowly facilities manager knows what is expected. That “attention to detail “ is very Pitinoish.

 

[bbncal02]

Pope was the homerun hire BBN needed and has basically overnight united all of us. It’s unbelievable that Barney fumbled and bumbled his way into it but super happy he did.

We went after the biggest fish we could. Hurley just ain’t budging. Hell, he turned down the freaking Lakers. .

Whiffing on Drew sucked. But these things work out and we got Pope. I think Mitch knew he would have the right spirit. Treat UK like it’s supposed to be treated.

The big question is. Can he win here? We’re gonna find out.

 

[bbncal02]

I have a connection with someone who works in the athletics department. He is responsible for things at the facilities(among other things). In Popes first week at UK he was summoned to a meeting with coach Pope where CMP lined out exactly what he wanted and expected from him , when to open and close the practice facility, things like that . They regularly cross paths during the days and CMP always speaks and calls him by name . He said Cal never met with him and probably didn’t even know his name .

This is not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it just shows me how thorough CMP goes about his job . Personally making sure the lowly facilities manager knows what is expected.

Trust me. Thats a big deal. Treat everyone with respect. From President Capiluto to the janitor.

 

[wardlow]

Trust me. Thats a big deal. Treat everyone with respect. From President Capiluto to the janitor.

It’s a huge deal. Attitude reflect leadership

Pope is a leader

 

[bbncal02]

It’s a huge deal. Attitude reflect leadership

Pope is a leader

Yup. Knows how to lead himself, which is the first step.

I hope he can stay that way. Our former coach had that for a bit, at least in winning and serving.

 

[UKAlum84]

He lacked Cal's swagger, though he did not mess up or show any weakness. A confident coach so far.

 

[jwphelps]

On a night where he should be celebrated, basking in his glory of being in his prime, at the peak of his career, in the best job in all of Basketball.

When most would think they had arrived, make it about themselves even just for a moment, he takes the opportunity to do something that was long overdue and help heal some old wounds for allot of people by not making it about himself and bringing out the most polarizing figure in our programs history.

Knowing that would be the most memorable thing about the night, and be the headline.

It’s not and it’s never been about him and that’s why we had to love this guy.

Pope is not Cal, his ego doesn't need stroking like Cal's did.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

Actually the most symbolic thing for me was when they were doing introductions with the players in the stands and when they introduced pope he was at the very top of rupp arena in the last row.

To me that was a message that every fan matters.

 

[North Carolina Blue Wildcat]

Leadership is putting everyone else out in front of yourself. He checks all the boxes of a coach that players and staff will run through a wall for.

 

[Seth_C]

As long as he wins, I hope he stays till he’s ready to retire. He understands the job better than, perhaps, anyone who has ever had the job. Now the only question is whether or not he can perform the assignment at the highest level. I think he can.

 

[lazycat75]

Pope is one of US when he wins a few championships for us and the state. He'll go down as one of the GOATs here at Kentucky

 

[clifm]

On a night where he should be celebrated, basking in his glory of being in his prime, at the peak of his career, in the best job in all of Basketball.

When most would think they had arrived, make it about themselves even just for a moment, he takes the opportunity to do something that was long overdue and help heal some old wounds for allot of people by not making it about himself and bringing out the most polarizing figure in our programs history.

Knowing that would be the most memorable thing about the night, and be the headline.

It’s not and it’s never been about him and that’s why we had to love this guy.

You are so right. I hated it when he went to Louisville but last night brought tears to my eyes. Long over due and welcome back coach.

 

[NociHTTP]

He lacked Cal's swagger, though he did not mess up or show any weakness. A confident coach so far.

Seriously, who cares if he "lacks Cal's swagger"? It's not about swagger, it's about winning the games that matter.

 

[paulcalhoun]

As long as he wins, I hope he stays till he’s ready to retire. He understands the job better than, perhaps, anyone who has ever had the job. Now the only question is whether or not he can perform the assignment at the highest level. I think he can.

I think Joe B was pretty familiar with things when he took over. I still like your point anyway.