Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Kentucky

Jay Williams compliments Mark Pope, Kentucky on roster building, knocking off Duke

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh11/13/24griffin_mcveigh
Mark Pope - Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio
Mark Pope - Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio

Mark Pope announced himself on the national stage Tuesday night, taking down Duke in the Champions Classic. This was the program’s first win against Duke since 2015, ending a small two-game losing streak. Kentucky fans were already buying into Pope’s program but this win only brings more excitement to Big Blue Nation.

ESPN’s Jay Williams, a former Duke player, was highly complimentary of Pope after the game. The Kentucky roster had zero players on it at one point. Pope brought in a completely fresh group, none of which previously played with one another, and still took down a talented Blue Devils team.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

“I want to give a shoutout to Mark Pope and Kentucky basketball,” Williams said. “At a high level, getting a top-10 win. This is a team that literally had nobody on their roster. John Calipari took everyone to Arkansas or there was a mass exodus. So what an unbelievable game.”

What really stood out to Williams was the offensive style Pope has brought to Kentucky. The former coach of Utah Valley and BYU, taking your philosophy to a true college basketball blue blood can be difficult. But the results paid off in a big way after just three games.

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW!

For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

“Tonight is about where Kentucky basketball is once again,” Williams said. “You talk about bringing on multiple transfers in the portal in which the style Mark Pope had from BYU. Offensively, everybody shares the ball. This is probably one of the most exciting offensive styles we’ve seen in a long time.”

Kentucky made 10 of their 25 three-point attempts, shooting 40%. Kerr Kriisa put up seven of those, making two. Three different players were in double-figures though, as Otega Oweh was the leader with 15 points. A solid offensive day was without somebody like Jaxson Robinson playing well, only having one point via a free throw.

Nearly a week off means Kentucky will not play again until Nov. 19 against Lipscomb. Rupp Arena will be packed to the brim, buzzing from the Duke win with expectations of more to come this season.