NCAA Coach of the year ?

[Runt#1969]

I've been of the opinion for quite sometime now, this season, that Coach Mark Pope will be, and SHOULD FAR AND AWAY be given the NCAA Coach of the Year award.

He deserves every superlative word of recognition for outstanding performance he gets. Especially when you consider the circumstances he inherited, the insanely fast turnaround in putting this team together, and the results to this point, at the very least.

Also got to do more than just mention : he put together a stellar assistant coaching staff, as well as positive recognition for performing his job at this high of a level at the most successful college basketball program in the country.

He's already beaten other coaches that have been well established, and his in-game adjustments have been nothing short of remarkable against the highest level of competition. He's already made history HERE. It's incredible!

He has instilled a new sense of optimism, pride, and loyalty, in a place where basketball is truly loved. He has reinvigorated and rejuvenated Big Blue Nation, in the most meaningful and positive way! We absolutely love him!

Above ALL, Coach Pope is an incredibly warm, personable, loveable man and caring human being. He is truly one of our own.

We are so blessed to have him as our coach.

God Bless you, Coach Pope!

I'd love for everyone to add to this thread and keep this going for him.

He deserves the richest compliments as a coach and human being.

Go Big Blue!

 

[blackcat714]

Pope or that little dude at little brother should be the favorites

 

[CatEye2010]

Nope. It'll be Scheyer, flops down.

 

[UK90]

That’s a conversation better had in March than January. Still way too much season left to be debating season end awards.

But I like his chances so far…

 

[BlueBomb]

That’s a conversation better had in March than January. Still way too much season left to be debating season end awards.

But I like his chances so far…

Agreed. If he goes 8-8 in the SEC, then no way he gets Coach of the Year, nor should he deserve it. But, as of now, he has my note.

 

[ukcatz12]

Depending on how the season finishes up I think Pope, Kelsey, and May will all have good cases for being coach of the year. All are exceeding expectations at their new schools.

 

[Tayshaun4Three]

I think it depends on whether or not Auburn continues to be this dominant throughout the rest of the season. As good as they were projected to be, they are significantly more dominant and might runaway with the SEC regular season title, while beating up on the conference even with Broome out. Pearl might get it, but I’d love Pope to get the nod.

 

[will1976]

I've been of the opinion for quite sometime now, this season, that Coach Mark Pope will be, and SHOULD FAR AND AWAY be given the NCAA Coach of the Year award.

He deserves every superlative word of recognition for outstanding performance he gets. Especially when you consider the circumstances he inherited, the insanely fast turnaround in putting this team together, and the results to this point, at the very least.

Also got to do more than just mention : he put together a stellar assistant coaching staff, as well as positive recognition for performing his job at this high of a level at the most successful college basketball program in the country.

He's already beaten other coaches that have been well established, and his in-game adjustments have been nothing short of remarkable against the highest level of competition. He's already made history HERE. It's incredible!

He has instilled a new sense of optimism, pride, and loyalty, in a place where basketball is truly loved. He has reinvigorated and rejuvenated Big Blue Nation, in the most meaningful and positive way! We absolutely love him!

Above ALL, Coach Pope is an incredibly warm, personable, loveable man and caring human being. He is truly one of our own.

We are so blessed to have him as our coach.

God Bless you, Coach Pope!

I'd love for everyone to add to this thread and keep this going for him.

He deserves the richest compliments as a coach and human being.

Go Big Blue!

Great love letter to Coach Pope from the BBN!

 

[chroix]

He makes a sweet sixteen/elite eight and doesn’t lose more than five or six more and it will be unanimous.

 

[TortElvisII]

For me, Cal or Hubert

 

[WeWant9_rivals]

I think it depends on whether or not Auburn continues to be this dominant throughout the rest of the season. As good as they were projected to be, they are significantly more dominant and might runaway with the SEC regular season title, while beating up on the conference even with Broome out. Pearl might get it, but I’d love Pope to get the nod.

Pearl was my initial thought, too.

I do think Popes name will be considered for it, especially if UK finishes the season strong.

 

[catsfanbgky]

Depending on how the year finishes up, he has to be in the top 5. I will add :

Tom Izzo - Michigan State - No stars, just winning.
TJ Otzellberger - Iowa State lost key players and they are back again.
Todd Golden - Florida - Same situation, lost key players, brought back a good back court.
Shaka Smart - Marquette - Lost 2 players to the NBA, has Marquette in the top 10,, at Marquette.

 

[BBNinSC_rivals62411]

Depending on how the year finishes up, he has to be in the top 5. I will add :

Tom Izzo - Michigan State - No stars, just winning.
TJ Otzellberger - Iowa State lost key players and they are back again.
Todd Golden - Florida - Same situation, lost key players, brought back a good back court.
Shaka Smart - Marquette - Lost 2 players to the NBA, has Marquette in the top 10,, at Marquette.

I think if the award was given out today, Otzelberger would win it.

 

[blubo]

Pope or that little dude at little brother should be the favorites

if u6 makes the tourny he should get serious consideration

 

[chasingwildcat]

Nope. It'll be Scheyer, flops down.

Scheyer has no coaching skills

If pope coach this duke team, this could be a season with no losses.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

He's gotta probably win 2 more big SEC games, and get to the 2nd weekend in the NCAAT.

But it will be the narrative that gets him in. He turns UK around in just one year, when the SEC is ultra competitive and does what Calipari failed to fo the last 6 or 7 years. I don't know how you don't look at that and think anyone else did a better coaching job this year. Again, all in a 1 year turn around, brand new team no less.

I also think scheyer won't get it because of having Flagg.. similarly to Lamar Jackson having Derrick Henry. They are also going to go into the torumanent not really having beat anyone since like December, and the optics of them playing such an sasy schedule will matter. Scheyer would have to get a F4 I would think.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

Might be a bit early for this.

Coach of the year or not tho, he's done well. About as well as one could have expected.

 

[Tayshaun4Three]

He's gotta probably win 2 more big SEC games, and get to the 2nd weekend in the NCAAT.

But it will be the narrative that gets him in. He turns UK around in just one year, when the SEC is ultra competitive and does what Calipari failed to fo the last 6 or 7 years. I don't know how you don't look at that and think anyone else did a better coaching job this year. Again, all in a 1 year turn around, brand new team no less.

I also think scheyer won't get it because of having Flagg.. similarly to Lamar Jackson having Derrick Henry. They are also going to go into the torumanent not really having beat anyone since like December, and the optics of them playing such an sasy schedule will matter. Scheyer would have to get a F4 I would think.

Scheyer definitely looks like someone that would collect model trains for some reason

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Scheyer definitely looks like someone that would collect model trains for some reason

Probably wears a conductor hat, too.

 

[Runt#1969]

Appreciate everyone's thoughts on the subject. Great points all around. The coaches at Louisville, Iowa State, Michigan st, etc, sure I could see those coaches perhaps excelling for the remainder of the season, and earning the nod.

It's fair and appropriate to let the season play out before any such award be given, all very true.

I really think Pope has done such an incredible job to this point, it seems like if we can continue doing well, he would deserve it. And I'm sure he would be the first to give every other coach credit for jobs well done.

Coach Pope has really impressed this ole blue hair with his class, demeanor, honesty, sincerity, and passion. Done it HERE, at a place where I think Kentucky fans have an equal passion for the sport.

He's a credit to the state, university, the fans, college basketball, all around just an awesome human being.

Every week something happens where I say to myself, "he just does things that make us proud, and demonstrates the way a true man, a true coach, should be "

I'm just filled with respect for him. I truly think he's a wonderful face for our beloved program. I hope and pray he stays here for a very long, successful time.

Ultimate success with a man like him running the show is surely coming, as it has to this point.

I am deeply grateful to him and for every effort he and his players have given - and for re-energizing my own passion for Kentucky basketball.

Just an amazing journey this year has been for me, as I hope, all of BBN as well.

Thanks for the feedback, look forward to hearing much more from everybody as this season progresses!

 

[will1976]

Appreciate everyone's thoughts on the subject. Great points all around. The coaches at Louisville, Iowa State, Michigan st, etc, sure I could see those coaches perhaps excelling for the remainder of the season, and earning the nod.

It's fair and appropriate to let the season play out before any such award be given, all very true.

I really think Pope has done such an incredible job to this point, it seems like if we can continue doing well, he would deserve it. And I'm sure he would be the first to give every other coach credit for jobs well done.

Coach Pope has really impressed this ole blue hair with his class, demeanor, honesty, sincerity, and passion. Done it HERE, at a place where I think Kentucky fans have an equal passion for the sport.

He's a credit to the state, university, the fans, college basketball, all around just an awesome human being.

Every week something happens where I say to myself, "he just does things that make us proud, and demonstrates the way a true man, a true coach, should be "

I'm just filled with respect for him. I truly think he's a wonderful face for our beloved program. I hope and pray he stays here for a very long, successful time.

Ultimate success with a man like him running the show is surely coming, as it has to this point.

I am deeply grateful to him and for every effort he and his players have given - and for re-energizing my own passion for Kentucky basketball.

Just an amazing journey this year has been for me, as I hope, all of BBN as well.

Thanks for the feedback, look forward to hearing much more from everybody as this season progresses!

We need more of these old timers to post! Thanks my man.

 

[gbl97]

Pope and Kelsey both started with bare rosters. The one with better results should be coach of the year. It shouldn't matter that Kenny Payne was horrible last year.

 

[Tayshaun4Three]

Pope and Kelsey both started with bare rosters. The one with better results should be coach of the year. It shouldn't matter that Kenny Payne was horrible last year.

Won’t matter. Don’t think either one will win if Auburn keeps up. Nobody is taking it from Pearl if they don’t start losing

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Pope and Kelsey both started with bare rosters. The one with better results should be coach of the year. It shouldn't matter that Kenny Payne was horrible last year.

That is true but Louisville has been way more damaged as a brand as well. They have been in a hole a long time now to be fair. Cal really underachieved but we weren’t in as deep as they were.i still believe Pope deserves it though so far.

 

[RoyKent]

Pope will be up there but he won’t finish in the top five unless he crushes the rest g the regular season.

 

[Runt#1969]

Not a top 5 coach this year? Not even worth a mention?

riiiiiiight.
shhhhh

Kentucky is still playing.....

Love ya' Coach Pope !

Go Big Blue !

 

[Cat in ga]

If it’s not Pope there should be an asterisk by it. Threw a team together in no time. All the injuries and we’re still dancing

 

[Runt#1969]

Shameless self bump.

I'm still (happily) awaiting the season to be over.

But let me reiterate here and NOW :

Coach Mark Pope has done the best job at the hardest place to be a college basketball coach that there is, this year, my friends.

If that's not a Coach of the Year amongst your peers ???? Look at all the coaches he beat getting here, and we are still going. Coaches like Few, seeing him take over at Kentucky and finally get a big win against him .... watching him masterfully out coach Scheyer and the Blue Devils earlier in the year was not a one off.

Sure, he took his hits and we lost games we should maybe not have, but this was under an extraordinarily difficult setup before him, coming in, fresh from the VERY beginning.

and he has to do it at .... Kentucky ? Of all places ? That's truly coaching under the microscope.

Sweet baby Jesus, it was amazing that it was not a disastrous season, and it is still going. He is one hellofa good coach and did a GREAT job this year.

I'm damn proud of his job this year, especially in the face of such wild adversity. Somehow keeping it all afloat was amazing in and of itself. Even from the very beginning. A patchwork hastily pulled together squad from absolutely ZERO. Just looking back now on it all, and it still isn't even done yet, NOT FINISHED....

A great case can and should be mentioned in any discussion is Todd Golden this year. Make them co-coaches of the year this year because the SEC was that great.

Coach of the year in my book ? Still Coach Mark Pope.

You betcha. Shameless self bump, and rant #3,711 is OVER.

get back with me when it's OVER.

Go Big Blue !