Irrelevant

[AllBall]

The Pope hire was initially not well received but UK Athletics and media changed the narrative. They leaned heavily on a connection to the 96 title. It was nostalgic and intoxicating. BBN was clamoring for change, and feel good emotions eased frustrations.

Bottom line, eyes need to be fixed on the future. Drastic measures are needed to change course. While CMP is ultimately responsible, it appears there isn't much help coming from the assistants. Fueger was supposed to be an offensive guru. Brooks had championship ties and a defensive background with recruiting connections. Hart came from G League Ignite with a recruiting prowess and experience. I won't even mention Mark Fox.

The times they are a changing and the NIL era doesn't allow for patience or sympathy when you have the resources.

 

[20MRoster]

I think you may be missing the point on that. No Kentucky fan celebrates going 14-14 BUT we acknowledge that 14-14 was over performing in the 1990 season with Pitino’s Bombinos. No one is saying a Sweet 16 by its own merit is good. Rather given the situation, it showed he had promise as a coach here. Don’t oversimplify your opponent into absurdity. It’s better for both parties if you try to challenge the actual arguments. Now, I’m completely good with firing Pope at this point. Seriously, I just don’t see how it gets fixed at this level of panic and morale depletion. But if you wanna engage the point people make about the Sweet 16 last year, consider Pitino’s Bombinos.

Pitino's team played hard all the time, Pope's guys in 2024 (the "successful" ones) didn't. They were susceptible to slow starts, blowouts, mental lapses, etc. Pope also had:
- a tough Sr. PG who led a mid major to a final 4
- shooter who couldn't quite crack the NBA rotation but the shooting skill itself is NBA level. This guy was also recruited by Duke and UConn.
- Jaxson - 4 star, top 100 player
- fringe NBA center w/ elite passing vision.

Hindsight is 20/20 but now it looks like that 2024 team may have even had a EE/ FF type year if he were actually a good coach. The "promise" was from the players themselves, not from the coach.

Pitino's post-probation team had nothing at that level but brought it every game.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

Pitino's team played hard all the time, Pope's guys in 2024 (the "successful" ones) didn't. They were susceptible to slow starts, blowouts, mental lapses, etc. Pope also had:
- a tough Sr. PG who led a mid major to a final 4
- shooter who couldn't quite crack the NBA rotation but the shooting skill itself is NBA level. This guy was also recruited by Duke and UConn.
- Jaxson - 4 star, top 100 player
- fringe NBA center w/ elite passing vision.

Hindsight is 20/20 but now it looks like that 2024 team may have even had a EE/ FF type year if he were actually a good coach. The "promise" was from the players themselves, not from the coach.

Pitino's post-probation team had nothing at that level but brought it every game.

I’m not asking you to agree though, man. I was giving you a window into understanding the viewpoint.

 

[BlueBlood96Cat]

Fan base doesn't need change in terms of standards. Sorry not sorry.

No not our standard just our culture as a whole. I’m not blaming fans at all. Just was asking if there’s anything we could to to create change.

 

[BlueBlood96Cat]

No, they will give him the full season I'd imagine. And I think it would have to be Kenny Payne levels of bad before they decide not to give him one more year. That's just how Mitch rolls.

Tonight was worse than Kenny Payne

 

[20MRoster]

I’m not asking you to agree though, man. I was giving you a window into understanding the viewpoint.

I hear that, and I respect it. Thanks --