Mark Pope first coach in 37 years to lose to Auburn at home. Maybe he doesn’t understand the assignment.

[rykr]

I feel just as bad as the next guy after a loss like this but anyone who thinks Pope has not wildly exceeded expectations this year just not very smart. He's handed a team with _zero_ players. He had maybe 1 recruit who he had to re-recruit to keep him committed. Can you imagine how hard it is to recruit a portal *senior* when the kid asks who else is on the team and you tell him he's the first? That must have been a hard sell. I don't care if it is Kentucky on the jersey. But he manages to pull together a rag tag bunch of players and leads all of D-1 in top 10 victories and has set the all time UK record for AP top 15 victories.

Sometimes players have bad games. They were without one of their starters and arguably our best shooter.

Mark coaches the same whether we win by 20 or lose by 20. Win by 20 and no one on this board is complaining about how he coaches. In fact they'll commend him for his attitude and emotional balance on the sideline. Lose and they complain he wasn't yelling enough. You absolutely cannot please some people.

I love this team and I love our coach. Our last coach screamed and stomped at the players during the game and I'm glad we are past that. Mark has done a helluva job with the talent he pulled together and I can't wait to see how they do in the tournaments and next year.

 

[TeoJ]

You have to love full on troll posts.

 

[wildcat_nation28]

No, beating Duke wasn't a fluke. If you can't see that Mark has things HE needs to work on, that are negatively affecting the team's success this year, then I don't know what to tell you. There's far more to basketball than a "better roster". That this team doesn't defend well isn't just about talent, it's also about WANT. Mark's teams have never been known to play great defense. Why do you think that is? Do you think that's a fluke? Do you think I or most here give a shit that he's a "Rhodes Scholar and former Med student"? We don't. You're literally pissing on every other coach out that wasn't a scholar. Pearl coaches circles around Mark, and that starts in game prep and the lockeroom as we all got to witness today. We all love Mark as a former Wildcat, but

EDIT: I'm well aware that he had only six weeks to build the roster, as most here are. It doesn't excuse some of what we've witnessed this season. Everyone should be held accountable, starting at the top.

Cal had the same amount of time when he came here

 

[Basil Cat]

I see I hurt alot feelings here. This was somewhat tongue in cheek. Not totally, but I’m the farthest from a troll I assure you. I didn’t start or comment anything as we lost to Clemson , OSU, Vandy etc..

But this is a new era of CBB. It’s free agency, not rebuilding programs of old. Yes Pope had less time , but he also has the power of UKBB and as much or more NIL money than anyone. If you saw the locker room pep talks it was quite interesting. Yes I understand that doesn’t tell the whole story, but it is some insight. No, I do not want a screaming Bruce Pearl. But we are UK and a conference foe came in here ranked #1! I wanted us to show some life. That usually means UKBB will rise up and compete. I want Pope or whoever is our coach to succeed. JMHO

 

[flacat22]

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

My God some of our “fans” are incredibly stupid

 

[Lemley Gilbert]

This is auburn’s greatest time ever in their basketball history as soon as pearl is gone they will go back to being auburn basketball

 

[rykr]

I see I hurt alot feelings here. This was somewhat tongue in cheek. Not totally, but I’m the farthest from a troll I assure you. I didn’t start or comment anything as we lost to Clemson , OSU, Vandy etc..

But this is a new era of CBB. It’s free agency, not rebuilding programs of old. Yes Pope had less time , but he also has the power of UKBB and as much or more NIL money than anyone. If you saw the locker room pep talks it was quite interesting. Yes I understand that doesn’t tell the whole story, but it is some insight. No, I do not want a screaming Bruce Pearl. But we are UK and a conference foe came in here ranked #1! I wanted us to show some life. That usually means UKBB will rise up and compete. I want Pope or whoever is our coach to succeed. JMHO

I want us to succeed as well. And, yes, it's a new era of CBB which, if anything, mutes the UK impact. Just look at the players who followed Cal. They didn't stay "because of the name on the chest". It's all about the money these days and not the jersey or tradition. And lots of teams. have lots of money to spend. Most would agree that this is not an overly talented UK group. And yet they have been incredibly successful.

Every coach/team loses games. Loses big games. Pitino did. Cal did. And Pope will to. And, get this, if Kelly scores his average we win. he averages 10 PPG. He put in 30. We've won games before when one of our guys goes off and scores 3x their average and we strut around like we've accomplished something. But when an opposing player scores 3x his average and puts us out we want to blame coaches, players, etc. It's silly.

We played sloppy in the first half (we have a tendency to do that). Mark gives them a good talking to at half time and they play better. We lost the first half by 15. We lost the second half by 1. If we play better in the first half and Miles doesn't lose his mind it's an entirely different game.

You've got to always see the big picture and appreciate what you have. Because you could always be an Arkansas fan right now.. .

I'll show myself out... LOL

 

[Emarc]

6 weeks to create this roster.

Think about that and then factor in the injuries and you have where we are now.

I guess beating Duke was a fluke???

The dude CAN Coach, he just needs time to build a BETTER roster with athletes that can DEFEND. He is a Rhodes Scholar and former Med student that WON a National Championship as a Kentucky Wildcat AND had an NBA career by OVER-ACHIEVING. I have ZERO doubt that he KNOWS what is needed to succeed here.

Yeah, “ do a better job”. WTF.

 

[warrior-cat]

Early success got a lot of people excited and elevated expectations back to old levels. We are still better than most thought we would be prior to the season, but Auburn is good, best team in the nation good so...

 

[jeffky]

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

 

[aikenite4uk]

What a maroon.

 

[BarefootBeach]

I see I hurt alot feelings here. This was somewhat tongue in cheek. Not totally, but I’m the farthest from a troll I assure you. I didn’t start or comment anything as we lost to Clemson , OSU, Vandy etc..

But this is a new era of CBB. It’s free agency, not rebuilding programs of old. Yes Pope had less time , but he also has the power of UKBB and as much or more NIL money than anyone. If you saw the locker room pep talks it was quite interesting. Yes I understand that doesn’t tell the whole story, but it is some insight. No, I do not want a screaming Bruce Pearl. But we are UK and a conference foe came in here ranked #1! I wanted us to show some life. That usually means UKBB will rise up and compete. I want Pope or whoever is our coach to succeed. JMHO

You know it was a dick post, which certainly implies who you are

 

[kyegras1]

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

So I guess Coach Hall didn’t understand the assignment either. What a moron you are!!!

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

 

[bucsrule8872]

People on here need to read the signs posted…

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!

 

[Zissou87]

If the SEC was traditionally half as good as it is this year, UK would not hold the all-time wins record.

 

[Lempface]

Restard being restarted..

We say regarded in this household!

 

[TNCatfanforever]

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

Troll Troll Troll your boat gently down the stream

 

[jwphelps]

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

Just another troll trying to start something.

 

[bnewt]

Playing the #1 team in the country playing their BEST with your BEST scorer out injured and your best defender playing with a BUM shoulder, made the outcome predictable.

Coach Pope has had to deal with a TON of problems playing in not just to toughest SEC ever, but maybe the strongest conference EVER top to bottom!!!

So to make your post title is WAAYYYYYY short sighted and RIDICULOUS!!!

Give Coach Pope another recruiting cycle and see where we are!!!

His system is one of the MOST desirable for ANY player to play in!!!! It won't take long for this program to get back on top!!!

Hope Pope loads up in the portal, but there are a lot of teams that plat a similar offense. $ is the determining factor like it is in all recruiting

 

[UKortho]

No, beating Duke wasn't a fluke. If you can't see that Mark has things HE needs to work on, that are negatively affecting the team's success this year, then I don't know what to tell you. There's far more to basketball than a "better roster". That this team doesn't defend well isn't just about talent, it's also about WANT. Mark's teams have never been known to play great defense. Why do you think that is? Do you think that's a fluke? Do you think I or most here give a shit that he's a "Rhodes Scholar and former Med student"? We don't. You're literally pissing on every other coach out that wasn't a scholar. Pearl coaches circles around Mark, and that starts in game prep and the lockeroom as we all got to witness today. We all love Mark as a former Wildcat, but

EDIT: I'm well aware that he had only six weeks to build the roster, as most here are. It doesn't excuse some of what we've witnessed this season. Everyone should be held accountable, starting at the top.

I am sure you saw it on TV, but Pearl’s energy on the bench is off the charts. Pope is low energy. It showed in the fight today . Auburn would have killed our first born if they had a chance. We came out like….Pope on the sidelines.

 

[NociHTTP]

I am sure you saw it on TV, but Pearl’s energy on the bench is off the charts. Pope is low energy. It showed in the fight today . Auburn would have killed our first born if they had a chance. We came out like….Pope on the sidelines.

I love Pearl. I'd worry that his life insurance policy would cost more than his salary. How is that guy NOT dead at this point? And I don't think it's fake, either. He's legitimately a coaching nut passionate about basketball.

Pope be like

This team just doesn't come ready to play, and that's NOT going to cut it in the NCAA Tournament. There is "maybe next game".

 

[TeoJ]

Cal had the same amount of time when he came here

He already had a team here plus the talent he had been recruiting for a couple of years why is this so hard to understand dam it's like explaining to four year olds.

 

[rykr]

I am sure you saw it on TV, but Pearl’s energy on the bench is off the charts. Pope is low energy. It showed in the fight today . Auburn would have killed our first born if they had a chance. We came out like….Pope on the sidelines.

He's the same energy win or lose. If we won today would you still be complaining about low energy? I don't think so

 

[wildcat_nation28]

Ho already had a team here plus the talent he had been recruiting for a couple of years why is this so hard to understand dam it's like explaining to four year olds.

ok he had 3 returning players

 

[wildcat_nation28]

Hope Pope loads up in the portal, but there are a lot of teams that plat a similar offense. $ is the determining factor like it is in all recruiting

better pay out

 

[catben]

ok he had 3 returning players

One of which was Patrick Patterson who was a First round draft pick and another was Darius Miller who was a future 2nd round pick.

Pope got Perry to stay committed. HUGE difference!!!

 

[wildcat_nation28]

One of which was Patrick Patterson who was a First round draft pick and another was Darius Miller who was a future 2nd round pick.

Pope got Perry to stay committed. HUGE difference!!!

you forgot Jorts

 

[UKortho]

He's the same energy win or lose. If we won today would you still be complaining about low energy? I don't think so

Don’t deal with Ifs, wishes, etc.

 

[wildcat_nation28]

One of which was Patrick Patterson who was a First round draft pick and another was Darius Miller who was a future 2nd round pick.

Pope got Perry to stay committed. HUGE difference!!!

also only Patterson started oh I forgot Leggins which he didn't even play hardly in 2010

 

[TeoJ]

ok he had 3 returning players

Plus he brought 4 or 5 players with him from Memphis that he had been recruiting for a couple of years.
Wall,Bledsoe and Boogie you aren't going to count those?
Big difference if you can't see that I don't know what to tell you.

 

[KentuckyMildCats]

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

I can't wait til some of you guys just eventually just leave permanently.

 

[wildcat_nation28]

Plus he brought 4 or 5 players with him from Memphis that he had been recruiting for a couple of years.
Wall,Bledsoe and Boogie you aren't going to count those?
Big difference if you can't see that I don't know what to tell you.

Freshman ok next

 

[TeoJ]

Freshman five stars number one and two recruits in the country guess you don't understand.

 

[Stonewall12]

I know this is maybe their best team ever , but still. It’s Auburn….

RaffTARD

 

[wildcat_nation28]

yeah I do but u can't say Cal didn't over achieve his first year

 

[arenk]

Man is down Robinson, Butler still doesn't look like butler and you think we should beat #1 Auburn? Ok 🤣🤣

This fan base is the most entitled bunch of unrealistic babies I have ever seen. Pope was supposed to come in and cobble a NC team together in a month or so using the portal and no one returning. Auburn has been the best team all year, but our fans expect victory with key players hurt no less because the game is played at Rupp. That's unrealistic and jjst quit the bitching.

 

[NoDef]

Playing the #1 team in the country playing their BEST with your BEST scorer out injured and your best defender playing with a BUM shoulder, made the outcome predictable.

Coach Pope has had to deal with a TON of problems playing in not just to toughest SEC ever, but maybe the strongest conference EVER top to bottom!!!

So to make your post title is WAAYYYYYY short sighted and RIDICULOUS!!!

Give Coach Pope another recruiting cycle and see where we are!!!

His system is one of the MOST desirable for ANY player to play in!!!! It won't take long for this program to get back on top!!!

We have a top 3 NIL budget and still struggling to land top notch talent outside of kids living in Kentucky. We will have to see how the transfer portal comes out. We was totally out classed today and to think border line good in state recruiting is the way out will be interesting. The portal must be good.

 

[wildcat_nation28]

We have a top 3 NIL budget and still struggling to land top notch talent outside of kids living in Kentucky. We will have to see how the transfer portal comes out. We was totally out classed today and to think border line good in state recruiting is the way out will be interesting. The portal must be good.

and got beat out of 2 top 10 players

 

[KentuckyMildCats]

This fan base is the most entitled bunch of unrealistic babies I have ever seen. Pope was supposed to come in and cobble a NC team together in a month or so using the portal and no one returning. Auburn has been the best team all year, but our fans expect victory with key players hurt no less because the game is played at Rupp. That's unrealistic and jjst quit the bitching.

Well said these guys aren't actual fans, have never been fans. My goal since day one is to win one game in the tourney bc our predecessor couldn't do that. We'll be established and have more time in the portal and I think one of our freshmen are talented enough for the league, next year will be better and sec won't be as good as this year. I refuse to listen to unreasonable "fans" on this board who have unrealistic expectations for a team who hasn't been near 100% all year.

 

[TeoJ]

yeah I do but u can't say Cal didn't over achieve his first year

He got to elite 8 with his highly recruited class and left overs Patterson and Miller,most thought they had a final four team and they lost in elite 8 by shooting about 30 % from the field.a lot of UK fans thought they should have got to final four.