This is what you all wanted..

UK4Life#9

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
251
447
63
When Pope turns this around, I cant wait to rub it in everyone in this thread’s face. Believe me, I will make sure you ALL hear about it everyday. Kentucky fans have the lowest basketball IQ of all fanbases. It blows my mind how many “fans” watch basketball but don’t KNOW basketball. 😬🥴🤦🏻‍♂️

I’m still fully on board with Pope and I think they will be MANY here who have to eat crow.
 

KYSouthpaw

Junior
Sep 10, 2025
123
233
43
Some of you act like its all Pope. Nobody beats good teams in basketball without a PG.
I love Pope, and maybe you're right about our starting PG being out. I really hope that's the main problem. I think he still needs to not play with too few shooters on the floor, and to me, we need three or more shooters out there at any given time.
 

One2Three

All-Conference
Nov 15, 2025
785
1,841
93
When Pope turns this around, I cant wait to rub it in everyone in this thread’s face. Believe me, I will make sure you ALL hear about it everyday. Kentucky fans have the lowest basketball IQ of all fanbases. It blows my mind how many “fans” watch basketball but don’t KNOW basketball. 😬🥴🤦🏻‍♂️

I’m still fully on board with Pope and I think they will be MANY here who have to eat crow.
I hope you do get to rub it in our faces. I really do. But I’m just not convinced of a Mitch Barnhart hire. I just can’t believe it’ll work.
 

Kjuk24

Junior
Mar 1, 2025
299
320
63
what are you talking about? Nobody wanted this. We're just subjects under King Barney. The fans have no voice, no say, no power whatsoever. We are nothing but serfs who are expected to pay a king's ransom for tickets and travel to go to games. I don't remember one single poster here calling for the hire of Pope. Everyone here had to go through the stages of grief to get to acceptance of Pope and a hopeful outlook but nobody WANTED this.
I highly disagree. You should look back at the homecoming he got... Especially with the older folks. Rick Pitino player and disciple.. Fans were pumped to get rid of Cal
 

One2Three

All-Conference
Nov 15, 2025
785
1,841
93
what are you talking about? Nobody wanted this. We're just subjects under King Barney. The fans have no voice, no say, no power whatsoever. We are nothing but serfs who are expected to pay a king's ransom for tickets and travel to go to games. I don't remember one single poster here calling for the hire of Pope. Everyone here had to go through the stages of grief to get to acceptance of Pope and a hopeful outlook but nobody WANTED this.
Arguably this is killing the UK fanbase. Look around, I see far fewer fans on this forum than in years’ past. And it’s true everywhere. There used to be many UK forums. Even our Reddit board is smaller than other blue blood subreddits.

Even outside the internet looks grim. You don’t see people proudly wearing their UK merch like we used to.

The cold harsh reality is years of mediocrity is killing the interest of Kentucky fans in basketball and football. People don’t care as much as they used to. There is no pride. And kids are growing up never seeing UK relevant in anything. Mitch Barnhart is a massive reason for that.
 

Kjuk24

Junior
Mar 1, 2025
299
320
63
Those were terrible losses by Cal. I will fully agree with you. Very frustrating. I just remember when his players went to war for him and the fans.. It was the best time of my life as a sports fan. I remember the Pitino 90s.. I was a kid tho
 
Jul 30, 2024
4,406
7,867
113
Those were terrible losses by Cal. I will fully agree with you. Very frustrating. I just remember when his players went to war for him and the fans.. It was the best time of my life as a sports fan. I remember the Pitino 90s.. I was a kid tho
Pope will have this year and next year. As we move along, we will know if he’s “Kentucky” good or not. None of us know for sure yet and anyone saying they do is guessing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Woodrow24

One2Three

All-Conference
Nov 15, 2025
785
1,841
93
Pope will have this year and next year. As we move along, we will know if he’s “Kentucky” good or not. None of us know for sure yet and anyone saying they do is guessing.
If he ends up in the NIT, I have a hard time believing he comes back next year. And looking at all the potential teams we play, most of them make us look like crap. Indiana isn’t even a certain win.
 
Jul 30, 2024
4,406
7,867
113
If he ends up in the NIT, I have a hard time believing he comes back next year. And looking at all the potential teams we play, most of them make us look like crap. Indiana isn’t even a certain win.
We will see, but I don’t think we are going to the NIT. Even with the floor performance, I don’t see that. Hope not to find out.
 

One2Three

All-Conference
Nov 15, 2025
785
1,841
93
We will see, but I don’t think we are going to the NIT. Even with the floor performance, I don’t see that. Hope not to find out.
If we can’t even beat Indiana, I wouldn’t feel confident about making the tournament. I hope we can at least go 2-2 in our marquee match-ups in December, but tonight’s games have discouraged me. Everyone looks much better than we do.
 

Eagles_Ball_69

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2003
2,869
3,679
82
When Pope turns this around, I cant wait to rub it in everyone in this thread’s face. Believe me, I will make sure you ALL hear about it everyday. Kentucky fans have the lowest basketball IQ of all fanbases. It blows my mind how many “fans” watch basketball but don’t KNOW basketball. 😬🥴🤦🏻‍♂️

I’m still fully on board with Pope and I think they will be MANY here who have to eat crow.
I’m your Huckleberry
 
Jul 30, 2024
4,406
7,867
113
If we can’t even beat Indiana, I wouldn’t feel confident about making the tournament. I hope we can at least go 2-2 in our marquee match-ups in December, but tonight’s games have discouraged me. Everyone looks much better than we do.
We haven’t looked good, there’s no debate there. I wish I had a crystal ball but I don’t. I’m hoping for the best.
 

Tapemaster8

All-Conference
Feb 9, 2003
14,574
3,801
98
I am 76 years of age. I remember all the trouble JoeB. Hall had when he took over for coach Rupp. After the 13/13 season I was thinking the same thing about Coach Hall that many fans are thinking about Coach Pope. This season may be a rough one, but I think I will wait and see. I believe Mark can
figure it out! Go Cats!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Anon1751658263

Artlaibesghost

All-Conference
Nov 30, 2022
635
1,213
93
I was against the Pope hire initially because I knew many of our fans wouldn't give him a chance. He started off with no players late and had a remarkable year despite that. This season still in its infancy we have lost 2 games and look at the nonsense people are posting. Most are trying to say " It's not that we lost it's the way we lost" I've got news for you guys with selective memories. Duke ran is of the court in the championship classic a few years ago and that team made it to Elte 8.Kansas hammered us SEVERAL times on December. The Zags ran us off the floor a few years ago. Pope beat more good teams last year preconferance than Cal did in the last 5 he was here.
I don't know what kind of coach Pope will end up being here but to judge him based on 2 games is rediculous.Its not Pope's fault that we haven't won but 1 title in the last 26 years or not been to final 4 in 8. Give the man a chance
 

Woodrow24

Heisman
Dec 21, 2015
5,857
14,410
78
I think Pope has to start getting his first recruiting targets out of high school and the portal. Idc how good a coach is, you gotta get the right players as well. I’m willing to give the man time to see how it works out. I’m worried but won’t give up on him or this team.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cornbreadnmilk

warrior-cat

Hall of Famer
Oct 22, 2004
191,458
155,508
113
Too soon for this. There should be a few years of trial and then if things continue to suck... OK.
 

Coach777

Senior
Dec 19, 2022
327
870
93
Pope will have this year and next year. As we move along, we will know if he’s “Kentucky” good or not. None of us know for sure yet and anyone saying they do is guessing.
Yes you absolutely correct. After year 3 we will know:
1.If he can recruit.
2.Does he have the knowledge and ability to build a great team with massive NIL money.
3.Can he adjust his teams play based on the players he has and not the style of play he has done in the past or wants to do. (Pitino was great at this)
4.Can he inspire players to play hard and play as a team.

Last year was great but early on this year has been a train wreck. I know there is no other coach that will work harder and has the desire to win then Pope. For the fans on this site and others ALREADY wanting him gone or saying he is a bad hire after a great 1st year is pathetic! These are people who have never played or coached the game beyond elementary school and is why many coaches would never coach at UK.
 

cornbreadnmilk

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2025
576
1,615
93
Yes you absolutely correct. After year 3 we will know:
1.If he can recruit.
2.Does he have the knowledge and ability to build a great team with massive NIL money.
3.Can he adjust his teams play based on the players he has and not the style of play he has done in the past or wants to do. (Pitino was great at this)
4.Can he inspire players to play hard and play as a team.

Last year was great but early on this year has been a train wreck. I know there is no other coach that will work harder and has the desire to win then Pope. For the fans on this site and others ALREADY wanting him gone or saying he is a bad hire after a great 1st year is pathetic! These are people who have never played or coached the game beyond elementary school and is why many coaches would never coach at UK.
More fan bashing. Cool.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ash Williams

cornbreadnmilk

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2025
576
1,615
93
He is 100% correct. If you can dish it tou should be able to take it. Calling for a change now is a joke.
I never said I wanted Pope fired but this is a message board and it's okay to comment on a coach making millions. We seemed okay commenting on Cal's coaching flaws but aren't allowed to call out Pope's. Interesting.....
 
  • Like
Reactions: BlueBlood96Cat

BlueBlood96Cat

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2022
2,679
4,708
113
I never said I wanted Pope fired but this is a message board and it's okay to comment on a coach making millions. We seemed okay commenting on Cal's coaching flaws but aren't allowed to call out Pope's. Interesting.....
Man I’m really hoping that don’t turn into a thing. The Cal cult was annoying but also the man went on a legendary run his first five to 8 years. I’ve been super negative on here lately but at the same time some of it is deserved.

I’m not just a negative person but also not gonna sit here and say good job Cats it was enjoyable watching yall get y’all’s *** kicked with all the rumors going on and still don’t know what’s true.

Year two and we are weak af and not just losing but losing in a bad way. Yea the season can be turned around. Actually I’m hoping/expecting it to. But at the moment this team has rubbed me the wrong way.

so I’m sticking to that until they show me something different against a good team. UNC is going to tell me all I need to know about this team. Don’t even have to win. I would like to. Just go play some good ball and hustle. Don’t get pimped.


of course there’s always a chance we get a completely healthy roster but I doubt it.
 

Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,635
17,051
93
I never said I wanted Pope fired but this is a message board and it's okay to comment on a coach making millions. We seemed okay commenting on Cal's coaching flaws but aren't allowed to call out Pope's. Interesting.....
It's a message board. You can post whatever you like.

I think message boards typically represent the most extreme opinions. We've seen a lot of "I'm not sure Pope can cut it here." "Pope shouldn't make it past this season."

And then people act like it was more minor discussion. "What, we can't discuss his flaws?" Maybe you personally haven't said anything about him not being able to do the job. But a lot of people have. And then when pressed on it, the messsaging shifts to "I just have some concerns."

Again, you can discuss whatever you like. But we're 6 games into year 2. He had a really successful year 1, especially considering the injuries. I think most of us came into the year believing he was a really good coach based on last year. Two bad games isn't enough to convince me that my belief was wrong.
 
  • Like
Reactions: davtay

wildcatdon

Heisman
Oct 17, 2012
10,056
12,571
113
And it only took a full season and 5 games... Mark Pope aint it! You wanted more 3 point shooting and offense, you got it. Im ******* just as mad as you are that we lost, but its gonna be a long winter! Mark Pope- great guy... But, Cant recruit, soft, too nice, no physicality, chuck up 3's! Incredible. Ive never been more embarrassed in my life of an early season match up since the BCG days.
You ought to start your own Pope bitching board. Stay there and take the rest of the whiners with you. He is in year two for crying out loud.
 

wildcatdon

Heisman
Oct 17, 2012
10,056
12,571
113
Danggggg.. You boys didnt enjoy a National Title, 4 Final Fours, 2 Natty appearances, and a perfect 38-0 run to the final 4? Ive got big news for ya.. We will never have that again
If that’s the case then u need to just move on to the Ark site so we won’t have to listen to your bitching here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Anon1751658263

RunninRichie

Heisman
Sep 5, 2019
27,797
65,696
113
You ought to start your own Pope bitching board. Stay there and take the rest of the whiners with you. He is in year two for crying out loud.
Dusty May is in year 2, is 7-0, just beat Gonzaga and Auburn (ranked teams) by 40. Pope is at the premier college basketball school, with top 3 NIL dollars. Keep the excuses flowing.
 

wildcatdon

Heisman
Oct 17, 2012
10,056
12,571
113
Dusty May is in year 2, is 7-0, just beat Gonzaga and Auburn (ranked teams) by 40. Pope is at the premier college basketball school, with top 3 NIL dollars. Keep the excuses flowing.
There are no excuses Richie. Facts are facts. We lost but I bet we get better going forward especially when we get Lowe back. I won’t give up this soon like some of you are.
 

RunninRichie

Heisman
Sep 5, 2019
27,797
65,696
113
There are no excuses Richie. Facts are facts. We lost but I bet we get better going forward especially when we get Lowe back. I won’t give up this soon like some of you are.
I haven't gave up, still watching every game, and hope like hell I am wrong. We have gotta beat UNC.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BlueBlood96Cat

HipTer

Junior
Apr 11, 2012
774
337
63
There are no excuses Richie. Facts are facts. We lost but I bet we get better going forward especially when we get Lowe back. I won’t give up this soon like some of you are.
Oh, how I wish UK could get a healthy Lowe back. Much more important for this team than what Quaintance might add in my opinion. Even an 85% Lowe playing 15+ minutes a game would be big I think.