Contrarian I guess. Gonna hang in with UK & CMP.

theKybluedude

Senior
Jul 2, 2025
396
922
93
Pope cares deeply. He said it will get turned around and I believe him. Recognizing the problems through objective findings is the first step. That’s what the non conference preseason is for. New team and he might just have too many players that are capable. Giving them all floor time to sort it out and then make appropriate changes. He’s got 2 of his top 5 out injured. Big pieces.

He takes the losses hard. I like that. Pope’s in a learning curve that all coaches stepping up to an elite program face. Look at Bama football. I think he was biting his tongue post game in public not to say what he truly felt about effort. Bet he can’t believe some of his players don’t feel the same about the front of the jersey as he did and does. Weed them out.

He’s smart and will figure it out and get it fixed.

Surprised at how many UK fans bail so early and take the early losses so personally. Makes me wonder how many actually played team sports. We that did all went through bad steaks but were on teams that finished strong. Reminds me of one of my son’s HS football years where they as 2 time defending champs lost 4 in a row to start the season. Fans ready to fire the staff and jump off a bridge. Figured it out, made some changes and ended up winning out. I remember sitting next to a couple “super”UK fans screaming Tony Delk was a wasted scholarship after he missed a couple 3s early in his career. He got better.. right?

If you’re a parent you understand young people stumble but most learn more from those missteps than getting praised all the time. We as parents continue to support but they have to make their own personal adjustments.

UK bball is like a soap opera. Lots of drama. Hang in with the team and get rewarded. Those that have bailed and whine 5 games in at 3-2 see you next year. Relax by taking the rest of the year off and support your local HS team or small college. It’s a journey. UK’s hit a bump.

Our 96 and 98 champs lost early to good teams but changes were made and guess what… teams improve over the course of the season.

Personally, I think losing early can be a good thing. Like to see it to expose the weaknesses no matter how ugly and put the fear of God into the players. They will listen more closely and focus more knowing they aren’t part of the elite teams at this point. Ground to make up. Lineup changes are easier to make now. Attitudes change or they don’t contribute. Coaches can get tougher and practices harder. You’re either in or out.

Take a deep breath and do what you would like someone to do for you if you stumbled.
Don't give up the ship so early.
 

KFuqua

All-Conference
Oct 24, 2001
2,096
2,355
113
Pope cares deeply. He said it will get turned around and I believe him. Recognizing the problems through objective findings is the first step. That’s what the non conference preseason is for. New team and he might just have too many players that are capable. Giving them all floor time to sort it out and then make appropriate changes. He’s got 2 of his top 5 out injured. Big pieces.

He takes the losses hard. I like that. Pope’s in a learning curve that all coaches stepping up to an elite program face. Look at Bama football. I think he was biting his tongue post game in public not to say what he truly felt about effort. Bet he can’t believe some of his players don’t feel the same about the front of the jersey as he did and does. Weed them out.

He’s smart and will figure it out and get it fixed.

Surprised at how many UK fans bail so early and take the early losses so personally. Makes me wonder how many actually played team sports. We that did all went through bad steaks but were on teams that finished strong. Reminds me of one of my son’s HS football years where they as 2 time defending champs lost 4 in a row to start the season. Fans ready to fire the staff and jump off a bridge. Figured it out, made some changes and ended up winning out. I remember sitting next to a couple “super”UK fans screaming Tony Delk was a wasted scholarship after he missed a couple 3s early in his career. He got better.. right?

If you’re a parent you understand young people stumble but most learn more from those missteps than getting praised all the time. We as parents continue to support but they have to make their own personal adjustments.

UK bball is like a soap opera. Lots of drama. Hang in with the team and get rewarded. Those that have bailed and whine 5 games in at 3-2 see you next year. Relax by taking the rest of the year off and support your local HS team or small college. It’s a journey. UK’s hit a bump.

Our 96 and 98 champs lost early to good teams but changes were made and guess what… teams improve over the course of the season.

Personally, I think losing early can be a good thing. Like to see it to expose the weaknesses no matter how ugly and put the fear of God into the players. They will listen more closely and focus more knowing they aren’t part of the elite teams at this point. Ground to make up. Lineup changes are easier to make now. Attitudes change or they don’t contribute. Coaches can get tougher and practices harder. You’re either in or out.

Take a deep breath and do what you would like someone to do for you if you stumbled.
Don't give up the ship so early.
Well said!
 

Ford to Mashburn

Sophomore
Aug 10, 2025
114
170
43
Pope cares deeply. He said it will get turned around and I believe him. Recognizing the problems through objective findings is the first step. That’s what the non conference preseason is for. New team and he might just have too many players that are capable. Giving them all floor time to sort it out and then make appropriate changes. He’s got 2 of his top 5 out injured. Big pieces.

He takes the losses hard. I like that. Pope’s in a learning curve that all coaches stepping up to an elite program face. Look at Bama football. I think he was biting his tongue post game in public not to say what he truly felt about effort. Bet he can’t believe some of his players don’t feel the same about the front of the jersey as he did and does. Weed them out.

He’s smart and will figure it out and get it fixed.

Surprised at how many UK fans bail so early and take the early losses so personally. Makes me wonder how many actually played team sports. We that did all went through bad steaks but were on teams that finished strong. Reminds me of one of my son’s HS football years where they as 2 time defending champs lost 4 in a row to start the season. Fans ready to fire the staff and jump off a bridge. Figured it out, made some changes and ended up winning out. I remember sitting next to a couple “super”UK fans screaming Tony Delk was a wasted scholarship after he missed a couple 3s early in his career. He got better.. right?

If you’re a parent you understand young people stumble but most learn more from those missteps than getting praised all the time. We as parents continue to support but they have to make their own personal adjustments.

UK bball is like a soap opera. Lots of drama. Hang in with the team and get rewarded. Those that have bailed and whine 5 games in at 3-2 see you next year. Relax by taking the rest of the year off and support your local HS team or small college. It’s a journey. UK’s hit a bump.

Our 96 and 98 champs lost early to good teams but changes were made and guess what… teams improve over the course of the season.

Personally, I think losing early can be a good thing. Like to see it to expose the weaknesses no matter how ugly and put the fear of God into the players. They will listen more closely and focus more knowing they aren’t part of the elite teams at this point. Ground to make up. Lineup changes are easier to make now. Attitudes change or they don’t contribute. Coaches can get tougher and practices harder. You’re either in or out.

Take a deep breath and do what you would like someone to do for you if you stumbled.
Don't give up the ship so early.
Very well said. I’ll never give up on them or Pope. It might be Painful but I can’t throw away 48 years of I love Kentucky.
 

Wunky

Heisman
Jan 16, 2021
4,274
17,748
78
Been a fan many long years. Long enough to know this season is far from over. Nobody wants Mark Pope to succeed any more than I do. Even his staunchest critic must admit that he cares deeply about this program and its fans, and that is more than could be said about his predecessor. I don’t blame Mitch for hiring him, and I don’t blame Mark for taking the job. As a fan, I will evaluate after every game. But I won’t JUDGE until the clock runs out on the last one.
 

TFCat11

All-American
Mar 25, 2019
5,164
8,873
108
Appreciate the post OP, and totally get where you are coming from, because I was once that guy. I could also take every one of your paragraphs, and point out where you are wrong, or where your point is different than the context of the situation, but you are entitled to your opinions.

However, and I’ll have to give credit to Calipari for my short leash on this, you are ignoring some major red flags that you failed to address, that are counter to your statements.

So, for the sake of writing a medium sized article pointing out and explaining in detail each individual red flag, and what it means for the foreseeable future of UK’s MCBB program, I’ll stop here and let the season play out and let the results speak for themselves.

For the record, I’m a lifelong diehard fan (since’76), have nothing but respect as a person and former player towards Mark Pope, and I would be beyond elated if he is somehow able to turn things around, and get UK back to its rightful place among the CBB elite.
 

One2Three

All-Conference
Nov 15, 2025
785
1,841
93
Problem is things feel like everything unraveling. I’d feel much more confident if Pope wasn’t acting strange in interviews and press conferences along with assistant coaches jumping online to correct people. Not to mention the rumors that have sadly become rampant when I expect a tightly run ship.

We’re 3-2. What happens if we have a losing record going into late December and into the SEC?
 

Vek96

All-Conference
Jul 4, 2025
1,825
3,855
113
Pope cares deeply. He said it will get turned around and I believe him. Recognizing the problems through objective findings is the first step. That’s what the non conference preseason is for. New team and he might just have too many players that are capable. Giving them all floor time to sort it out and then make appropriate changes. He’s got 2 of his top 5 out injured. Big pieces.

He takes the losses hard. I like that. Pope’s in a learning curve that all coaches stepping up to an elite program face. Look at Bama football. I think he was biting his tongue post game in public not to say what he truly felt about effort. Bet he can’t believe some of his players don’t feel the same about the front of the jersey as he did and does. Weed them out.

He’s smart and will figure it out and get it fixed.

Surprised at how many UK fans bail so early and take the early losses so personally. Makes me wonder how many actually played team sports. We that did all went through bad steaks but were on teams that finished strong. Reminds me of one of my son’s HS football years where they as 2 time defending champs lost 4 in a row to start the season. Fans ready to fire the staff and jump off a bridge. Figured it out, made some changes and ended up winning out. I remember sitting next to a couple “super”UK fans screaming Tony Delk was a wasted scholarship after he missed a couple 3s early in his career. He got better.. right?

If you’re a parent you understand young people stumble but most learn more from those missteps than getting praised all the time. We as parents continue to support but they have to make their own personal adjustments.

UK bball is like a soap opera. Lots of drama. Hang in with the team and get rewarded. Those that have bailed and whine 5 games in at 3-2 see you next year. Relax by taking the rest of the year off and support your local HS team or small college. It’s a journey. UK’s hit a bump.

Our 96 and 98 champs lost early to good teams but changes were made and guess what… teams improve over the course of the season.

Personally, I think losing early can be a good thing. Like to see it to expose the weaknesses no matter how ugly and put the fear of God into the players. They will listen more closely and focus more knowing they aren’t part of the elite teams at this point. Ground to make up. Lineup changes are easier to make now. Attitudes change or they don’t contribute. Coaches can get tougher and practices harder. You’re either in or out.

Take a deep breath and do what you would like someone to do for you if you stumbled.
Don't give up the ship so early.
1763681671786.gif
 
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*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
43,175
76,979
113
Pope cares deeply. He said it will get turned around and I believe him. Recognizing the problems through objective findings is the first step. That’s what the non conference preseason is for. New team and he might just have too many players that are capable. Giving them all floor time to sort it out and then make appropriate changes. He’s got 2 of his top 5 out injured. Big pieces.

He takes the losses hard. I like that. Pope’s in a learning curve that all coaches stepping up to an elite program face. Look at Bama football. I think he was biting his tongue post game in public not to say what he truly felt about effort. Bet he can’t believe some of his players don’t feel the same about the front of the jersey as he did and does. Weed them out.

He’s smart and will figure it out and get it fixed.

Surprised at how many UK fans bail so early and take the early losses so personally. Makes me wonder how many actually played team sports. We that did all went through bad steaks but were on teams that finished strong. Reminds me of one of my son’s HS football years where they as 2 time defending champs lost 4 in a row to start the season. Fans ready to fire the staff and jump off a bridge. Figured it out, made some changes and ended up winning out. I remember sitting next to a couple “super”UK fans screaming Tony Delk was a wasted scholarship after he missed a couple 3s early in his career. He got better.. right?

If you’re a parent you understand young people stumble but most learn more from those missteps than getting praised all the time. We as parents continue to support but they have to make their own personal adjustments.

UK bball is like a soap opera. Lots of drama. Hang in with the team and get rewarded. Those that have bailed and whine 5 games in at 3-2 see you next year. Relax by taking the rest of the year off and support your local HS team or small college. It’s a journey. UK’s hit a bump.

Our 96 and 98 champs lost early to good teams but changes were made and guess what… teams improve over the course of the season.

Personally, I think losing early can be a good thing. Like to see it to expose the weaknesses no matter how ugly and put the fear of God into the players. They will listen more closely and focus more knowing they aren’t part of the elite teams at this point. Ground to make up. Lineup changes are easier to make now. Attitudes change or they don’t contribute. Coaches can get tougher and practices harder. You’re either in or out.

Take a deep breath and do what you would like someone to do for you if you stumbled.
Don't give up the ship so early.
It would be a lot easier to support them if the team acted like they cared. Everyone is so down because of how they lose. It’s ridiculous.
 

PDX_Blue

Sophomore
Jun 29, 2025
48
174
33
I’m taking receipts. When we get a win we aren’t supposed to or the early season seems a long time ago and people want to act like they were there all along I want to make sure when a few folks come back from sh*t posting they get called out.

It’s always like this no matter what happens. I’ve been around long enough to know. This pile on from the bleachers has been particularly nasty.

The new site sucks ***. Didn’t think it could get worse but it is!
 

theKybluedude

Senior
Jul 2, 2025
396
922
93
Problem is things feel like everything unraveling. I’d feel much more confident if Pope wasn’t acting strange in interviews and press conferences along with assistant coaches jumping online to correct people. Not to mention the rumors that have sadly become rampant when I expect a tightly run ship.

We’re 3-2. What happens if we have a losing record going into late December and into the SEC?
CMP had a very good and revealing post game interview tonight. Man he loves this job and is driven. Reiterated he was holding back what he wanted to say post game after MSU.
He’s determined and his post game tonight was inspirational. Hope you got to listen. The media post game room.
 

BCD

Senior
Dec 30, 2002
677
669
93
Coach is in a huge learning curve. Hopefully he figures it out before fans run him off. Having a coach that LOVES the university is huge — but also a double edged sword. Losses cut him deeply too.
 
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Jul 30, 2024
4,563
8,325
113
CMP had a very good and revealing post game interview tonight. Man he loves this job and is driven. Reiterated he was holding back what he wanted to say post game after MSU.
He’s determined and his post game tonight was inspirational. Hope you got to listen. The media post game room.
It made me feel pretty bad. You can hear how desperate he is to get this program where everyone wants it. No matter what you think of this coach’s substitution patterns or scheme, there isn’t a doubt that he wants it bad. I’d love for him to be really successful here for a very long time.
 
Oct 13, 2025
65
89
18
The swing on the Pope hire has been dramatic, way too dramatic. There must be some element to this that the people who expected Pope to fail have come barreling in full force, while the ones who have been hugely supportive are biting their tongues and waiting to see how things play out. I can't see this being a situation where everyone has turned their backs on coach so dramatically. Has to be that the nay-sayers have been chomping at the bit for a chance to be nay-sayers.

I'm not giving up on this year or Pope. I will say that even with the overwhelming victory tonight, this team is still lacking identity and cohesion. Me personally, I want to see Aberdeen, Chandler, Johnson, Williams, and Moreno getting 30mins a game, but I don't see any indication from Pope yet that he's going to shrink the rotation the way he should.
 
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DelkBowl

Heisman
Oct 4, 2015
10,584
11,559
101
What’s his deal with Jelivic. Needs to play him so much more. Some kind of issue. If I were Jelivic, I would get out today.
 
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theKybluedude

Senior
Jul 2, 2025
396
922
93
What’s his deal with Jelivic. Needs to play him so much more. Some kind of issue. If I were Jelivic, I would get out today.
I think with his late arrival he’s a bit under conditioned. Plus he’s learning a whole new system against better competition.
I do think he’s got a bunch of ability but has to gear up. Play faster and much more physical.
Good attitude.
 

Kentucky15

All-Conference
Mar 29, 2013
2,033
4,220
108
Mark cares more about this place than just about anyone. We’ve got some great men around him in our booster department, solid Kentucky guys, who I think are going to give him everything he needs to get this done. I’m hanging in there. Now I lost my sht after Michigan State won’t deny it. We don’t have time to fade back we’ve got records to protect here. Now that’s the bottom line. But Mark knows that.

Hold the line here, we’re gonna get this done. You can’t kill Kentucky.
 

DelkBowl

Heisman
Oct 4, 2015
10,584
11,559
101
I think with his late arrival he’s a bit under conditioned. Plus he’s learning a whole new system against better competition.
I do think he’s got a bunch of ability but has to gear up. Play faster and much more physical.
Good attitude.
Seems like the perfect game to get him PT
 
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One2Three

All-Conference
Nov 15, 2025
785
1,841
93
It made me feel pretty bad. You can hear how desperate he is to get this program where everyone wants it. No matter what you think of this coach’s substitution patterns or scheme, there isn’t a doubt that he wants it bad. I’d love for him to be really successful here for a very long time.
If he comes back I hope he’s desperate enough to make some coaching changes in the offseason because whatever is going on with his staff isn’t working.

Because if he’s not, then it’s all talk.
 
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Jul 30, 2024
4,563
8,325
113
If he comes back I hope he’s desperate enough to make some coaching changes in the offseason because whatever is going on with his staff isn’t working.

Because if he’s not, then it’s all talk.
I’ve been as outspoken as anyone about the defense, but I say let’s give it some more time.

From an X and O’s standpoint, one of the things I was most critical about was the very conservative, almost prevent type of defensive tactical approach. Go watch the film from yesterday —- tight on the perimeter, man to man ball pressure. Adjustments are being made —- I’m not promising anything to work, but saying the story is written before the end of chapter one is dishonest. Let’s see how things shake out.
 

Hoskins91_rivals

All-Conference
Jun 12, 2011
6,748
1,612
50
We never got/get a choice in the matter, so yeah. Obviously best case scenario he figures it out. Don’t see where the confidence that he will comes from, but y’all live your lives.
 
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Goingfor9

All-Conference
Jan 27, 2003
15,749
2,420
113
Appreciate the post OP, and totally get where you are coming from, because I was once that guy. I could also take every one of your paragraphs, and point out where you are wrong, or where your point is different than the context of the situation, but you are entitled to your opinions.

However, and I’ll have to give credit to Calipari for my short leash on this, you are ignoring some major red flags that you failed to address, that are counter to your statements.

So, for the sake of writing a medium sized article pointing out and explaining in detail each individual red flag, and what it means for the foreseeable future of UK’s MCBB program, I’ll stop here and let the season play out and let the results speak for themselves.

For the record, I’m a lifelong diehard fan (since’76), have nothing but respect as a person and former player towards Mark Pope, and I would be beyond elated if he is somehow able to turn things around, and get UK back to its rightful place among the CBB elite.
I loved pope as a player. As a coach I support him but he’s a weird guy with a style that isn’t going to win titles or tourney games at uk. These high paced games with zero defense. I haven’t seen basketball this bad since Bcg. Bcg won some games year 1 too. But right now I feel like we can’t stop anyone nor can we score.
 
Jul 30, 2024
4,563
8,325
113
It becomes more apparent to me by the day that we have two very vocal factions:

1.) Pope can’t do the job. It’s pretty much a done deal. He’s crap, he’s always been crap.
2.) Pope is the perfect archetype, the paragon of coaching excellence. Any criticism of him will not be tolerated.

I hope the most people are in the silent majority of: I’m hoping for the best. Things are concerning but there’s still reason for optimism. I understand this is the internet and you get a lot of primal caricatures of most people’s personalities, but we have two sides going to all out war over something neither side knows for sure yet. Can’t the fighting wait until we know more?
 

UKCowboys

All-Conference
Oct 14, 2019
1,779
3,147
113
Pope cares deeply. He said it will get turned around and I believe him. Recognizing the problems through objective findings is the first step. That’s what the non conference preseason is for. New team and he might just have too many players that are capable. Giving them all floor time to sort it out and then make appropriate changes. He’s got 2 of his top 5 out injured. Big pieces.

He takes the losses hard. I like that. Pope’s in a learning curve that all coaches stepping up to an elite program face. Look at Bama football. I think he was biting his tongue post game in public not to say what he truly felt about effort. Bet he can’t believe some of his players don’t feel the same about the front of the jersey as he did and does. Weed them out.

He’s smart and will figure it out and get it fixed.

Surprised at how many UK fans bail so early and take the early losses so personally. Makes me wonder how many actually played team sports. We that did all went through bad steaks but were on teams that finished strong. Reminds me of one of my son’s HS football years where they as 2 time defending champs lost 4 in a row to start the season. Fans ready to fire the staff and jump off a bridge. Figured it out, made some changes and ended up winning out. I remember sitting next to a couple “super”UK fans screaming Tony Delk was a wasted scholarship after he missed a couple 3s early in his career. He got better.. right?

If you’re a parent you understand young people stumble but most learn more from those missteps than getting praised all the time. We as parents continue to support but they have to make their own personal adjustments.

UK bball is like a soap opera. Lots of drama. Hang in with the team and get rewarded. Those that have bailed and whine 5 games in at 3-2 see you next year. Relax by taking the rest of the year off and support your local HS team or small college. It’s a journey. UK’s hit a bump.

Our 96 and 98 champs lost early to good teams but changes were made and guess what… teams improve over the course of the season.

Personally, I think losing early can be a good thing. Like to see it to expose the weaknesses no matter how ugly and put the fear of God into the players. They will listen more closely and focus more knowing they aren’t part of the elite teams at this point. Ground to make up. Lineup changes are easier to make now. Attitudes change or they don’t contribute. Coaches can get tougher and practices harder. You’re either in or out.

Take a deep breath and do what you would like someone to do for you if you stumbled.
Don't give up the ship so early.
Well said, I am riding with him as well. Proudly
 
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Anon1679859502

All-American
Jun 28, 2015
4,669
8,785
113
I loved pope as a player. As a coach I support him but he’s a weird guy with a style that isn’t going to win titles or tourney games at uk. These high paced games with zero defense. I haven’t seen basketball this bad since Bcg. Bcg won some games year 1 too. But right now I feel like we can’t stop anyone nor can we score.
His style will work just not in the SEC. Alabama, Auburn and now Mizzou is getting gifted two-way players. Pope went with defense over offense it seems
 

travisbickle

Senior
Jan 4, 2022
223
702
93
It becomes more apparent to me by the day that we have two very vocal factions:

1.) Pope can’t do the job. It’s pretty much a done deal. He’s crap, he’s always been crap.
2.) Pope is the perfect archetype, the paragon of coaching excellence. Any criticism of him will not be tolerated.

I hope the most people are in the silent majority of: I’m hoping for the best. Things are concerning but there’s still reason for optimism. I understand this is the internet and you get a lot of primal caricatures of most people’s personalities, but we have two sides going to all out war over something neither side knows for sure yet. Can’t the fighting wait until we know more?
I think there is a third category of people who understand that some things actually take time and there can be growth. People that can be upset with a performance and yet still have enough control over their own emotions to not make the ridiculous conclusion that Pope should be fired after 1.25 seasons.

I actually believe this is about 95% of Kentucky fans. Unfortunately they don’t post here.
 

Goingfor9

All-Conference
Jan 27, 2003
15,749
2,420
113
I think there is a third category of people who understand that some things actually take time and there can be growth. People that can be upset with a performance and yet still have enough control over their own emotions to not make the ridiculous conclusion that Pope should be fired after 1.25 seasons.

I actually believe this is about 95% of Kentucky fans. Unfortunately they don’t post here.
Uk bb fans have never been patience for a coaches “ can be growth”. Go do that at ND or BYU. Pope came in with an extremely thin resume and definitely hasn’t justified the hire. That’s what the “wait and give time” crowd don’t get. He needed to win right away because all he was really was a former player who had D1 experience: There is a lot of season but we have a couple coaches ready right now to take over the program. Guys we could get.
 

theKybluedude

Senior
Jul 2, 2025
396
922
93
Uk bb fans have never been patience for a coaches “ can be growth”. Go do that at ND or BYU. Pope came in with an extremely thin resume and definitely hasn’t justified the hire. That’s what the “wait and give time” crowd don’t get. He needed to win right away because all he was really was a former player who had D1 experience: There is a lot of season but we have a couple coaches ready right now to take over the program. Guys we could get.
I thought he had a good first year considering his late hire and crippling injuries. Sweet 16. Justified the hire to 95%of UK fans.
 

Goingfor9

All-Conference
Jan 27, 2003
15,749
2,420
113
What part of his style are you certain won’t work in the SEC?
Pope cannot coach a team that is effective switching from offense to defense and continue the flow. His success is when every game is a track meet and some times his team hits shots sometimes they don’t. He doesn’t have command over the game. If you looked at the byu teams pope had they won games in the 80s+ and lost in the 60s and 70s. There is no defense with pope. He has a “defensive “team right now but they are getting rocked. We don’t have time for this mess bring n nate oates
 
Jul 30, 2024
4,563
8,325
113
Pope cannot coach a team that is effective switching from offense to defense and continue the flow. His success is when every game is a track meet and some times his team hits shots sometimes they don’t. He doesn’t have command over the game. If you looked at the byu teams pope had they won games in the 80s+ and lost in the 60s and 70s. There is no defense with pope. He has a “defensive “team right now but they are getting rocked. We don’t have time for this mess bring n nate oates
BYU and Kentucky are not the same. I still have defensive concerns but being this dogmatic so early is nonsense. Give it time
 

theKybluedude

Senior
Jul 2, 2025
396
922
93
Pope cannot coach a team that is effective switching from offense to defense and continue the flow. His success is when every game is a track meet and some times his team hits shots sometimes they don’t. He doesn’t have command over the game. If you looked at the byu teams pope had they won games in the 80s+ and lost in the 60s and 70s. There is no defense with pope. He has a “defensive “team right now but they are getting rocked. We don’t have time for this mess bring n nate oates
Why Nate Oats. That guy went 16-15 in his first year with returning players. In his 7th year and no titles. 147–64 at Bama. Got beat by Purdue this year at home.
Would that get it here? Cmon.
 

travisbickle

Senior
Jan 4, 2022
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Uk bb fans have never been patience for a coaches “ can be growth”. Go do that at ND or BYU. Pope came in with an extremely thin resume and definitely hasn’t justified the hire. That’s what the “wait and give time” crowd don’t get. He needed to win right away because all he was really was a former player who had D1 experience: There is a lot of season but we have a couple coaches ready right now to take over the program. Guys we could get.
BCG didn’t even have this much criticism after one season and six games. And you’re completely out of touch with actual normal UK fans that don’t post on message boards.

To each their own.
 

BlueSince92

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
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I'm still all-in on Pope.

I understand people's frustrations but imo most of what we're seeing is a combination of two things:

—Lol this is really not a $22 million roster.

How weird would it have been to have lost every single A-list target because we wouldn't pay and THEN give A-list money to guys who were backups last year? Never really happened. We paid B-list money for B-list guys. The one exception JQ was available cheaper because he was hurt and because he and his dad had a prior relationship with the university and were willing to take a chance for less $$ after they saw Pope's first year results.

—Not enough experience/insight/bball IQ to handle the system.

This part just is what it is and I don't fault people who fault Pope for it. The staff got a little bewitched by their success last year and didn't realize how much of it was due to uber-experienced guys being able to master little nuances of our complicated system very quickly. Built this roster planning to get less of that bball IQ, but didn't realize how much less they had really signed up for. Lack of 5th-year Covid seniors made a bigger difference than they expected. So I think a lot of times when we think we're seeing Pope acting like an idiot sticking too long with things that aren't working, what we're really seeing is Pope stuck betweena rock and a hard place. The better tactics we should switch to are things these guys are even further from mastering in practice than what we're seeing them botch right now. And the things we're running ATM are killing us but a lot of that is because we're not running them right....AND we ran them right hin practice so Pope keeps trying to gamble guys will calm down and start to do it in the game now.

Not a good situation and no easy answers. Pope isn't entirely innocent of it. But at the same time what else was he supposed to do with the budget he really had? That's why these baseless rumors of limitless coffers grate on me more and more. It's a fantasy. As bad as we're failing at recruiting A-listers, you don't think if we really had twenty-two million dollars a year we would sink six million of it into ONE authentic killer, stop the bleeding, and then build a decent team of backups around him...pretty good guys who could be swayed to come here just to play with that superstar? If you don't think that then I respect your opinion but we're just not going to be able to reason with each other. One of us is blind to reality. Hey, maybe it's me. But one of us is blind to reality.

I'm fully behind this staff and think they will adapt. Enough to be Final Four quality this year? Man, that's quite a stretch. But enough for it to be worth sticking with Pope longer term.

As for our ceiling this year, I'm not writing anything off. Why do that? But I'm not holding my breath either.