Lexington, Kentucky – As the search for a new men’s basketball coach at the University of Kentucky continues, the school is now turning its focus towards former Wildcat player and current Brigham Young University head coach, Mark Pope. Sources have indicated that a deal between Pope and Kentucky is likely to be finalized in the near future.
Pope, who graduated from Kentucky in 1996 and played for the Wildcats, has found success at BYU, leading the team to two NCAA tournaments in his five-year tenure. Additionally, he boasts a 110-52 record at BYU and had previous coaching experience at Utah Valley, where he went 77-56 in four seasons.
If Pope were to take on the role, he would be stepping into the shoes of the legendary John Calipari, who recently departed for Arkansas after a successful stint with Kentucky. Despite Pope’s lack of NCAA tournament wins, his coaching record and experience have garnered respect within the basketball community.
Kentucky’s pursuit of Pope comes after several other high-profile candidates turned down the opportunity to coach the Wildcats. Scott Drew of Baylor declined interest in the position, citing a commitment to his current program. Other notable coaches, including Nate Oats from Alabama, Dan Hurley of UConn, and Jay Wright, formerly of Villanova, also passed on the opportunity.
While some may question Pope’s credentials for the Kentucky job, his ties to the school and his coaching acumen could prove to be valuable assets. With an emphasis on rebuilding the program and maintaining a winning tradition, Pope’s background and dedication to the game could position him as a strong candidate for the Wildcats’ head coaching position.
As negotiations progress, it will be interesting to see how the potential hiring of Mark Pope unfolds and what impact it could have on the future of the Kentucky men’s basketball program. With a new era on the horizon, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how Pope’s leadership could shape the team moving forward.