WATCH: How Mark Pope’s First Team Brought Joy Back to Kentucky Basketball

Roster construction for the 2025-26 season is well underway, but it’s never too late to look back and appreciate the season that was. Our videographer Steven Peake did just that in his latest “KSR Explains” feature on the KSR YouTube Channel, an in-depth look at Mark Pope’s first season and how the Cats brought joy back to Kentucky Basketball.

Steven tracks Pope’s first year from the moment he was introduced as head coach at Rupp Arena last April to our first glimpses of his unique system in October, and how each new player quickly became beloved by BBN for how hard they worked and how much they respected the jersey they wore. It wasn’t a perfect season (there was no banner to raise), but it was a memorable one full of wins over rivals, buzzer-beaters, and yes, some court-storming losses. Even after the run came to an end in the Sweet 16, we got a reminder of how special this group was when they talked about what it meant for them to be Wildcats and set the culture for the Mark Pope era.

Steven was on the sidelines for it all, so let him show it to you through his lens and unique perspective. Once you’re done, hit subscribe so you don’t miss any of his excellent work.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.