WATCH: Mark Pope talks Jayden Quaintance, Rick Pitino, and St. John's

Another massive opportunity awaits Kentucky men’s basketball this weekend.

Up next for the Wildcats will be the No. 22 St. John’s Red Storm (7-3), coached by none other than former Kentucky/Louisville head coach Rick Pitino. A one-time player of Pitino’s at UK back in the 1990s, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope will go head-to-head with the Hall of Famer for the first time on Saturday in Atlanta. To preview the showdown, Pope spoke with reporters on Thursday to give us a taste of what he expects.

Pope opened his 20-minute press conference by going into the details of Jayden Quaintance‘s injury status. He didn’t show his hand by saying whether or not Quaintance would make his sophomore debut against St. John’s, but it’s certainly on the table. Pope also touched on his past and current relationship with Pitino, what problems St. John’s will create for his Wildcats once the ball is tipped at State Farm Arena, Kam Williams‘ defensive impact, and much more.

Dive into everything Pope had to say below. Tipoff on Saturday is set for 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

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