Former Kentucky basketball player Mark Pope has been named the new head coach of the Kentucky men’s basketball team, taking over the reins from John Calipari who departed for Arkansas after 15 seasons. Pope, who served as the head coach at BYU for the past five seasons, was chosen by Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart after other candidates either rejected or distanced themselves from the job.
Pope, who was the captain of Kentucky’s 1996 national championship team, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the program. Under his leadership, BYU made two NCAA tournament appearances during his tenure, and he compiled an impressive coaching record of 110-52 overall. Despite not winning any regular-season or conference tournament championships in his nine seasons as a head coach, Pope’s ability to lead a team to success in the postseason was a key factor in his selection.
Barnhart praised Pope’s coaching record, his love for the University of Kentucky, and his deep understanding of the importance of the program. A five-year contract is currently being finalized for Pope, who will look to continue the tradition of success at Kentucky.
Pope expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to return to his alma mater and lead the Wildcats. His experience both as a player in the NBA and as a coach at various levels makes him well-equipped to guide the storied program back to national prominence.
Kentucky and Barnhart turned to Pope after other high-profile coaches either turned down the job or were not pursuing it. With a new leader at the helm, the Wildcats will look to build on their rich basketball legacy and compete at the highest level in the upcoming seasons.
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