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Fans, media react to Kentucky’s reported hiring of Mark Pope to succeed John Calipari
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Kentucky is closing in on hiring BYU coach Mark Pope to succeed John Calipari, according to multiple reports.
Pope is a former Kentucky player and was a member of the Wildcats’ 1996 national championship team before moving on to a professional career. He’s been a college coach since 2009 and has been a head coach — either at BYU or Utah Valley — for the past 9 seasons.
Pope does run a more modern offensive system compared to Calipari. The Cougars attempted over half of their shots from 3-point range this past season and ranked in the top-5 nationally in 3-point attempt rate.
Still, Pope’s hiring is controversial to say the least. Other more high-profile names such as Scott Drew, Nate Oats, Billy Donovan and Dan Hurley were linked to this job over the last few days.
Pope also has a lackluster postseason résumé to this point in his coaching career. He’s made just 2 NCAA Tournament appearances as a head coach and has not advanced in either trip to the Big Dance. On both occasions, Pope’s teams were upset in the Tournament by double-digit seeds.
Pope will be expected to win in the NCAA Tournament — and soon — at Kentucky. The Calipari era ended this week after 4 straight postseason failures, including embarrassing upset losses to Saint Peter’s and Oakland. The Wildcats have not been to the Sweet 16 since the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
How Pope operates on the recruiting trail will be something to watch. He’s never coached at a program like Kentucky where he’s been able to attract elite talent — either as a head coach or an assistant — so he’s somewhat untested as a recruiter against the nation’s other top programs.
Reaction to Pope’s reported hiring has ranged from anger (from fans) to a mixture of skepticism and optimism (from media). Here’s the best of that reaction:
And now there is proof
I honestly thought they were gonna wait on Donovan…and so did most people around the program
This won’t go over great https://t.co/DTHAGUJMeP
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 12, 2024
Barnhart doing his best to kill our program
Absolutely DISGUSTING
— The Kentucky Network (@KentuckyNet) April 12, 2024
Mark Pope is probably an upgrade in terms of on-court coaching (runs modern principles on offense, good coach) and a downgrade in program stability (will he consistently get kids? What level is he as a recruiter?)
Really interesting hire, honestly, for Kentucky. Could work well
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) April 12, 2024
https://twitter.com/DylanBallard_UK/status/1778603259080442345
Not sure what’s going on, I’m getting excited if it’s true that Mark Pope is in consideration for @KentuckyMBB HC position. Amazing coach, great person… battled w him daily as a Freshman & he taught me the level of intensity that the game needs to be played at. #BBN #GoBigBlue
— Nazr Mohammed (@NazrMohammed) April 12, 2024
This can’t be real? Did #Kentucky really hire Mark Pope? pic.twitter.com/Mg2N3XKFPv
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) April 12, 2024
Mark Pope is an awesome personality and a good basketball coach, I think he will get a kick out of BBN reactions to his announcement
— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) April 12, 2024
If Mark Pope is the next coach at Kentucky as these reports indicate I think it’s a great move. Mark is super smart and engaging, coaches an entertaining style, understands the job and won’t get caught up in the wrong stuff. All things considered this ended well for Kentucky.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) April 12, 2024
Barnhart has to make one big decision for the first time in 15 years and folds harder than ever recorded
— Eli Cox (@elic0Xx) April 12, 2024
If Mark Pope is hired at Kentucky I just feel compelled to say that Mark is one of the best people you could ever know. Fierce competitor. Man of character and integrity. Someone you feel comfortable sending your son to play for. A GREAT player. Better coach.
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) April 12, 2024
The Pope hire possibly confirms something I heard on Monday, that Kentucky wanted a younger coach. May explain why Donovan, Pearl, Pitino were never in it.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) April 12, 2024
Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart swung for Scott Drew, Dan Hurley and Nate Oats.
He missed.
15 years ago, he was persuaded to go after someone with “baggage.”
This time he went with his choice.
Mark Pope.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 12, 2024
This is an absolutely atrocious process from Barnhart. Pope was taking this job next week, a month from now, etc. Mitch Barnhart seriously needs to be fired over this. https://t.co/mr0AhTwTBM
— Derek Terry (@DerekSTerry) April 12, 2024
Mark Pope might be great at Kentucky. (Any competent coach should be great at Kentucky.) But I explained a few hours ago on the @EyeOnCBBPodcast why I would've aggressively pursued Billy Donovan, and the idea that UK reportedly didn't at all is pretty wild. pic.twitter.com/TY06ANms2L
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) April 12, 2024
I’m of the opinion Mark Pope is a really, really good college basketball coach. Still an underwhelming hire for UK.
On another note: BBN is preparing the Nukes and it’s been a joy to watch in real time on this app.
— Ethan Stone (@Ethanstone23) April 12, 2024
From what I’ve been able to gather, that’s true. Kept hearing Donovan would be open to listening, but no major push was made. Wild. https://t.co/fMCcrwHALF
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 12, 2024
I need Mitch Barnhart fired from his job immediately.
— Big Blue Carti (@BigBlueCarti) April 12, 2024
Kentucky has not yet announced this hire.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
