Mark Pope makes KSR appearance ahead of Big Blue Madness

Just how excited is Mark Pope for year two at Kentucky and Big Blue Madness starting it all on Saturday? He joined Matt Jones and Kentucky Sports Radio on Friday to put his emotions out there for thousands upon thousands to hear — just before thousands upon thousands see it for themselves at Rupp Arena and streaming live on SEC Network+.

Year one was about setting the tone, but year two is about building the momentum.

“Man, listen — I have loved this time of year for the last 35 years, ever since I got here to Kentucky,” Pope told KSR. “You know, there’s a little chill in the air. I love this time of year. When you wake up, there’s a tiny chill in the air. It’s time, guys, it’s going to be really, really special. I can’t wait for Big Blue Madness.”

BBN United Fan Fest takes place from Noon ET to 4:30 p.m. ET at Central Bank Exhibition Hall. From there, the Madness begins at 6 p.m. ET at Rupp. That’s when fans will be able to see their Wildcats take the floor, a group expected to be both talented and extremely deep. The difference between this one and last, Pope’s first?

“On the defensive end, I think we have the ability to make more adjustments. I think we have the ability to exert more pressure, I think we have the ability to be more disruptive. We kind of felt like we were going to be able to do that at the beginning of last year, but with the changes in roster composition throughout the season, that became more difficult. I think we have that in spades this year. I think we have a chance to make teams uncomfortable.

“On offense, I think our mobility really stands out to me. We were a good cutting team last year, but I think we’re going to be great (this year). We have so many more players that can attack off the bounce and get downhill. I think that the pace of our game has a chance to really take a step forward this year.”

Meet the Wildcats first at BBN United Fan Fest this afternoon, then see it all for yourself at Big Blue Madness this evening. Until then, listen to Pope’s entire KSR interview below:

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