Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is aware of the best way to make an entrance.
The previous Wildcats middle from 1993-96 was formally launched because the group’s head coach on Sunday and he introduced alongside teammates from Kentucky’s 1996 championship-winning squad to mark the event.
Former NBA guards Tony Delk, Jeff Sheppard and ahead Derek Anderson have been amongst Pope’s previous school teammates to accompany him to the packed occasion.
Followers got here out in droves to Rupp Enviornment for Pope’s introduction, seemingly keen to maneuver on from ex-head coach John Calipari, who agreed to turn into the pinnacle coach at Arkansas final week.
Pope is mild on teaching credentials, however his connection to Massive Blue Nation has clearly helped him get off on the suitable foot. Pope coached the previous 5 seasons at BYU, reaching the NCAA Event twice and shedding within the first spherical each occasions.
Previous to that stint, Pope served as head coach at Utah Valley State from the 2015-16 via 2018-19 seasons, the place he went 77-56 and with out an NCAA Event look.
Whereas he obtained a heat welcome at his introduction, followers will not give him a honeymoon interval in the course of the common season, a reality Pope has already embraced.
“I perceive the project,” he advised these in attendance, per ESPN. “We’re right here to win banners… That is our job.”
