Mark Pope is returning to Kentucky. The previous school basketball participant, who was the captain of the Wildcats’ 1996 nationwide championship workforce, has been named the basketball program’s new head coach.
Pope replaces John Calipari, who not too long ago departed Lexington to take the pinnacle teaching job at Arkansas. The college introduced Pope’s hiring in a launch Friday morning however stopped in need of revealing the phrases of his contract. Pope’s introductory press convention is scheduled for Sunday at Rupp Enviornment.
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March 20, 2024: Brigham Younger Cougars head coach Mark Pope talks with the media throughout the NCAA first spherical follow session at CHI Well being Middle Omaha. (Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports activities)
Calipari guided Kentucky to its eighth NCAA championship in 2012. He additionally coached the Wildcats to 4 Last 4 appearances in 15 years. However Kentucky hasn’t returned there since going 38-1 in 2015. Calipari mentioned he had determined to step down as soon as he had realized that the basketball program was in want of “one other voice.”
“The previous couple of weeks, we have come to comprehend that this program most likely wants to listen to one other voice, that the college as a complete has to have one other voice giving steerage about this program that they hear, and the followers want to listen to one other voice. We have beloved it right here, however we expect it is time for us to step away and step away utterly from this system.”
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Pope was 110-52 in 5 seasons with the Cougars and went 23-11 of their first season within the Huge 12 Convention. BYU can be coming off a second NCAA Event look in 4 years beneath Pope.
He was 77-56 earlier than that in 4 seasons at Utah Valley and guided the Wolverines to consecutive runner-up finishes within the Western Athletic Convention his last two years. They reached the CBI quarterfinals each occasions.
Brigham Younger head coach Mark Pope yells to gamers within the first half throughout an NCAA basketball recreation between College of Oklahoma (OU) and Brigham Younger College (BYU) at Lloyd Noble Middle in Norman, Okla., on February 6, 2024. (Nathan J. Fish/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart cited Pope’s spectacular 187-108 profession report as a head coach and eager data of this system’s that means to the state. Barnhart additionally praised Pope’s “dynamic” up-tempo offense and difficult protection and known as him an innovator.
“He’s a powerful recruiter with worldwide ties and an individual of integrity,” Barnhart mentioned. “He totally embraces our excessive expectations and requirements, and I do know that as our followers get reacquainted with Mark, they are going to be keen to hitch him on what guarantees to be an thrilling journey.”
Pope mentioned he understands the expectations of taking on school basketball’s winningest program and the excessive expectations that include it.
“It’s the definition of blueblood program the place hanging a banner is the expectation ever yr,” Pope mentioned. “Equally as vital, UK modified my life endlessly as a human being. The love and keenness I’ve for this program, this College and the individuals of the Commonwealth goes to the depth of my soul.”
March 21, 2024, Omaha, NE: Brigham Younger Cougars head coach Mark Pope reacts after dropping their recreation in opposition to the Duquesne Dukes throughout the first spherical of the NCAA Event at CHI Well being Middle Omaha. (Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports activities)
Kentucky’s final deep NCAA Tournament got here in 2019, when the workforce misplaced to SEC rival Auburn within the Elite Eight.
Saint John’s coach Rick Pitino, who led Kentucky again from NCAA sanctions to that 1996 title, believes the varsity discovered the suitable candidate, saying Pope “will go on to greatness.”
“You’ve got one of many premier younger coaches within the recreation. Relish it as a result of he’ll do you proud,” Pitino mentioned in a video posted to social media. “I do know I sit right here as we speak in Saint John’s and I couldn’t be any extra proud than to see Mark Pope lead the Kentucky Wildcats to a different championship. He’ll get it accomplished. He’s acquired the suitable inventory.”
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BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe thanked Pope in a put up on X and mentioned he “left this system able of energy shifting ahead.”
Pope performed in the NBA from 1998 to 2005 with the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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