When Pope loses a random game we are all going to come on here and say how! But none of these players have played together. It's going to be ok. His system is going to be fun to watch, we're not going to go undefeated. We're also going to be headed in the right direction.
I know some are going to expect to have Rupp reincarnated by their post. But give him time to get it together. Don't mind me I'm just ONE UK fan of of the hundreds of thousands of us.
I don't think I have sky high expectations at all. I am expecting the team to be pretty good but I know we're gonna lose some games.
Here is why I'm elated right now- there are a couple reasons
1. Pope loves UK almost as much as this fanbase. I had forgotten how great it can be to have a coach who genuinely loves the university and the tradition as much as the fans. I love that Pope is putting the name on the front of the jersey first. I think Cal appreciated Kentucky and tolerated the "Bennies" but Pope is embracing it all. I love that!
2. I thought when Cal left he would take the entire team with him (and he did) and I also expected the program to suffer and need at least a year or maybe 2 before I could legitimately expect them to be any good. I think the job Mark Pope has done in getting a good team in place is exceptional. I'm beyond pleasantly surprised by all this.
3. I'm thrilled with what I see of Mark Pope's tenacity and just plain ol' hard work on the recruiting trail and in building the program and team. He may not have the resume of some other coaches, but he has sold me. His passion for UK makes such a huge difference. I can see that he's just that kind of guy, but the way he loves this program and fanbase tells me he really is the right guy for the job. I'm all in.