We traded a HOF coach for a guy who has never even won a tourney game and most of this board thinks we upgraded. You don't understand that the limitations on Cal were a result of the lack of support he was getting from boosters. You don't understand that the same limitations still exist and are going to hamper Pope even worse, because stud players aren't taking a discount to come to Kentucky and play for Mark Pope when they can, now, go to any of our rivals, make more money, and have a greater chance of success.
You don’t seem to get the fact we haven’t had a HOF coach for 5 plus years.
Kentucky basketball is geared to results and the winningest team in college basketball.
Cal was mishandling both. The program had slipped.
The lack of support correlated with the slippage. Cal’s wasn’t the same fire breather he once was early on.
A change was needed. Cal admitted the same.
Pope’s has to be given a chance with the same playing field as Cal.
I think he’s done a remarkable job setting the stage with short notice. I feel the same optimism and energy as when Pitino stepped in to rebuild. Plus he’s got a defined system which all good coaches seem to utilize.
In fact, if Pope coaches as well as he organizes I can see him as the SEC COY next year which sets him up for great success. He seems to be very genuine. That translates to players.