Pope badgers should be ashamed of themselves

[kyjeff1]

Nothing with you lol. But since we're here what is your opinion? Do you honestly think UKs image is good currently?

I think Pope never should have been offered the position, but unlike Cal, there is an easy way out. There's no massive buyout, so it makes no sense to freak out.

As far as how we look to others, what is so bad that we should be embarrassed? We're still #1 in all time wins, we have 8 titles and more SEC titles than all the other schools combined.

Do you know what all that means? It means even though we aren't on top right now, every other university has had worse times… a lot more of them actually.

Also, what's the difference between this recruiting class and Pope's first one? If he gets a backup C and a good SF, he has a better squad than he had in 24/25.

Also, we haven't played any games yet. We get KU in the champions classic and Louisville in Rupp. If we win those games, who gets to laugh?

I see no reason to be embarrassed, or ashamed, none.

 

[kyjeff1]

So you're asking for proof. Which then would only still be an opinion. We could not win a single game next year and if you feel like we're not a laughing stock then that's your opinion. I couldn't or wouldn't want proof because there's no proof to an opinion.

Yes it's my opinion. And many others. You're stance is confusing .I'm pretty sure like 95% of BBN is on the same page. Even cowboy got on board. But then we have KYjeff doing this now? Lol

But you're talking about now. If we lose every game next year, fine, let's be embarrassed, but why would you be embarrassed because Pope didn’t land some recruits?

Again, we're UK, we get comments from Louisville and UT fans even when we're kicking their a$$es, so why be bothered now? We haven't played any games yet and Pope is still trying to finalize the roster.

 

[anot]

I think Pope never should have been offered the position, but unlike Cal, there is an easy way out. There's no massive buyout, so it makes no sense to freak out.

As far as how we look to others, what is so bad that we should be embarrassed? We're still #1 in all time wins, we have 8 titles and more SEC titles than all the other schools combined.

Do you know what all that means? It means even though we aren't on top right now, every other university has had worse times… a lot more of them actually.

Also, what's the difference between this recruiting class and Pope's first one? If he gets a backup C and a good SF, he has a better squad than he had in 24/25.

Also, we haven't played any games yet. We get KU in the champions classic and Louisville in Rupp. If we win those games, who gets to laugh?

I see no reason to be embarrassed, or ashamed, none.

I disagree but I respect your breakdown of how you feel. And to be clear I'll never actually be embarrassed in real life. I'm just a fan. But I don't compare UK to other schools. We are the leader in wins like you said. That's why what other schools do or don't do isnt related to what UK should do. We are supposed to win and win big. That's all Iver ever known.

Sadly we aren't at the top currently. I respect our tradition but that's also why it needs to be upheld. I don't want to lose big for the next 30 years and be like don't y'all remember 2012.

 

[RunninRichie]

I think Pope never should have been offered the position, but unlike Cal, there is an easy way out. There's no massive buyout, so it makes no sense to freak out.

As far as how we look to others, what is so bad that we should be embarrassed? We're still #1 in all time wins, we have 8 titles and more SEC titles than all the other schools combined.

Do you know what all that means? It means even though we aren't on top right now, every other university has had worse times… a lot more of them actually.

Also, what's the difference between this recruiting class and Pope's first one? If he gets a backup C and a good SF, he has a better squad than he had in 24/25.

Also, we haven't played any games yet. We get KU in the champions classic and Louisville in Rupp. If we win those games, who gets to laugh?

I see no reason to be embarrassed, or ashamed, none.

Uconn and Duke are chasing us in titles and getting closer every year. Our all-time wins is in serious jeopardy this season. Kansas is only 5-6 behind. We have records and a brand/status to uphold. And Pope isn't the man for that. We haven't won a SEC tourney since 2018. A regular season since 2020.

 

[anot]

But you're talking about now. If we lose every game next year, fine, let's be embarrassed, but why would you be embarrassed because Pope didn’t land some recruits?

Again, we're UK, we get comments from Louisville and UT fans even when we're kicking their a$$es, so why be bothered now? We haven't played any games yet and Pope is still trying to finalize the roster.

I've never been bothered by other fans. If someone is laughing at UK then that's what they are doing. I don't have to be bothered by it. But let's say nobodys laughing just to move forward with the conversation. It's not about just whiffing in recruits. It's about theast two seasons.

Getting blown out by Tennessee in the sweet 16 isnt what I call a good season. Getting blown out by Iowa State in the round of 32 isnt what I call a good season. Pope rambling like a lost puppy doesn't instill confidence in our program. Getting dog walked off the court every other game isn't a good season.

And this roster is nowhere close to Popes first season here. Do you know Butler was a NBA guard? Koby Brea is a NBA guard? Amari Williams is a NBA center? That's not including Oweh who was out most productive player for two years. Andrew Carr who was proven in the ACC.

Man it's about to get really bad. It's been bad imo. By Kentuckys standards it's bad. We are supposed to be number one right? Why have expectations of a mid program. Just because we have a mid coach? No. Fire him. But he's here another year and it's going to get ugly.

 

[kyjeff1]

Uconn and Duke are chasing us in titles and getting closer every year. Our all-time wins is in serious jeopardy this season. Kansas is only 5-6 behind. We have records and a brand/status to uphold. And Pope isn't the man for that. We haven't won a SEC tourney since 2018. A regular season since 2020.

Yeah, we have been down since 2020, with the exception of 22 and maybe 24, even though both seasons ended destructively.

But that just proves my point, nobody should be poking fun, because obviously they have all been much worse throughout their history if they haven't even put a dent in our lead over them.

Yeah, KU can catch us, but it's not like they’re burning it up either. They had a bad year too.

Again, we have people in here saying "we are the laughing stock", but my response is… who is laughing? Louisville fans? Tennessee fans?

 

[kyjeff1]

I've never been bothered by other fans. If someone is laughing at UK then that's what they are doing. I don't have to be bothered by it. But let's say nobodys laughing just to move forward with the conversation. It's not about just whiffing in recruits. It's about theast two seasons.

You were clearly bothered, it was very obvious.

Getting blown out by Tennessee in the sweet 16 isnt what I call a good season. Getting blown out by Iowa State in the round of 32 isnt what I call a good season. Pope rambling like a lost puppy doesn't instill confidence in our program. Getting dog walked off the court every other game isn't a good season.

You do realize 1 game isn’t a season, right? Pope’s first season was very good, given where he started and the injuries. I think you guys need to stop thinking 1996 and 2012 are our standards.once you have injuries, you're ceiling drops.

Year 2 sucked and Pope needs to own that, but stop acting like he went to the NIT. Every coach has a bad season. Cal had the worst in UK history, Pitino had bad seasons, Rupp had bad seasons and so did Hall, so let Pope have his 3rd year to prove himself.

And this roster is nowhere close to Popes first season here. Do you know Butler was a NBA guard? Koby Brea is a NBA guard? Amari Williams is a NBA center? That's not including Oweh who was out most productive player for two years. Andrew Carr who was proven in the ACC.

Kobe, Butler and Amari weren’t NBA players before they came to UK, if they were, they wouldn’t have come here. Wilkins, Diallo, Moreno and Ndiaye are easily talented enough to go pro after 1 season at UK too. But believe what you want, I'm not going to change your mind obviously.

Man it's about to get really bad. It's been bad imo. By Kentuckys standards it's bad. We are supposed to be number one right? Why have expectations of a mid program. Just because we have a mid coach? No. Fire him. But he's here another year and it's going to get ugly.

What do you think UK standards are? If you think anything short of a conference title and a FF are our standards, you would be wrong. Those are goals, but there's no coach alive that will attain those standards and there isn't a single coach alive that will achieve those goals with the injuries we had the last 2 years.

 

[Jeff Sykes]

You people who bash Pope all the time are disgusting. Of anybody deserves more time it’s Pope. Hes one of us! He knows what the program is about! You people have shown no mercy at all!! The guy is down right now and you people keep kicking and kicking him! Disgusting! You make fun of anything he does or doesn’t do, you do your best to destroy the man any way possible.
Do you really think last year would have been as bad had Lowe stayed healthy? No! It wouldn’t have! Both years hes been here Pope has had to deal with injuries that any coach would have struggled with! Instead of kicking him let’s do our best to help him up. the potential was there last year. All you all were talking title after they beat Purdue in the exhibition game.
Pope is not Cal he isn’t going to get all 5 stars like Cal needed to win. Pope needs his style players for his way. Give him a year or two with no injuries and his players and see what happens. Pope cares and he wants what we want. None of you know why a player doesn’t come here there could be any reason other than Pope. Maybe they don’t like Lexington or the style of play or the nil crap or maybe just maybe they hear about fans like you people who turn on someone unfairly. Shame on all you who hate!

If we are going to call people names then you YCGFY. I never understand what makes you think you are so special and better than everyone else that it gives you the right to tell others how to fan, what to think, and what to say. You can go around with your head buried in the sand and act like everything is strawberries and rainbows. That is your right and I won’t tell you that you shouldn’t so how about you give me and the others the same respect and F off.

 

[anot]

You were clearly bothered, it was very obvious.

You do realize 1 game isn’t a season, right? Pope’s first season was very good, given where he started and the injuries. I think you guys need to stop thinking 1996 and 2012 are our standards.once you have injuries, you're ceiling drops.

Year 2 sucked and Pope needs to own that, but stop acting like he went to the NIT. Every coach has a bad season. Cal had the worst in UK history, Pitino had bad seasons, Rupp had bad seasons and so did Hall, so let Pope have his 3rd year to prove himself.

Kobe, Butler and Amari weren’t NBA players before they came to UK, if they were, they wouldn’t have come here. Wilkins, Diallo, Moreno and Ndiaye are easily talented enough to go pro after 1 season at UK too. But believe what you want, I'm not going to change your mind obviously.

What do you think UK standards are? If you think anything short of a conference title and a FF are our standards, you would be wrong. Those are goals, but there's no coach alive that will attain those standards and there isn't a single coach alive that will achieve those goals with the injuries we had the last 2 years.

Our standard isnt what Pope is doing. You know that man. And no you won't change my mind about the state of the program. I'm excited about the two guards. But that's not enough. Who do we have after them? Especially if Moreno leaves. This is a train wreck.

Popes first
season wasnt very good. It was surprisingly ok. It was acceptable. Not good by any means

 

[kyjeff1]

Our standard isnt what Pope is doing. You know that man. And no you won't change my mind about the state of the program. I'm excited about the two guards. But that's not enough. Who do we have after them? Especially if Moreno leaves. This is a train wreck.

Popes first
season wasnt very good. It was surprisingly ok. It was acceptable. Not good by any means

We were a 3 seed, played the 3rd toughest schedule, won more quad 1 games than any team in the history of the game, beat two final 4 teams and one of them was the national title winner and you think that's" not good by any means"???

If we don't lose Robinson and Butler doesn’t dislocate his shoulder, we don't lose to UT in the Sweet 16. A team can only sustain so many injuries.

The team Pope is putting together right now, is missing a couple pieces, but it could end up being a better roster than the 24/25 team.

You're not being fair at all.

 

[anot]

We were a 3 seed, played the 3rd toughest schedule, won more quad 1 games than any team in the history of the game, beat two final 4 teams and one of them was the national title winner and you think that's" not good by any means"???

If we don't lose Robinson and Butler doesn’t dislocate his shoulder, we don't lose to UT in the Sweet 16. A team can only sustain so many injuries.

The team Pope is putting together right now, is missing a couple pieces right now, but it could end up being a better roster than the 24/25 team.

You're not being fair at all.

That's fair. I can agree with a lot of that. Thanks for having a realistic conversation. Seriously

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

I'm not the one belittling others because I'm hiding behind the safety of internet. Secondly, everyone on here who has been on here any amount of time watched you engage in this same schtick over Stoops. You're just a ukaa loyalist and mouthpiece. Let me clue you in on something. An adult has no problem facing reality and calling it for what it is. Children live in make believe land. And if you want to live in the illusion that everything is fine, I don't care. Have at it. But how dare you demand we all live in denial. We are the grown ups in the room.

Keep telling yourself you're a grownup as you whine incessantly about everything. I never said everything was fine. I only posted facts that made you have an emotional meltdown because they weren't lockstep with your full time negativity and obsession with wanting to fire coaches if they do not fulfill your desires at all times. Crapping all over the coach or removing him midseason was not going to help anything nor did not doing it actually hurt anything.

 

[CatManFromCa]

Definitely a troll!

 

[BigBluefoot]

Keep telling yourself you're a grownup as you whine incessantly about everything. I never said everything was fine. I only posted facts that made you have an emotional meltdown because they weren't lockstep with your full time negativity and obsession with wanting to fire coaches if they do not fulfill your desires at all times. Crapping all over the coach or removing him midseason was not going to help anything nor did it actually hurt anything.

You continue to infer things like "emotional meltdown." You are the only one either imagining these things, or you are just making them up. But hey, if you can't invalidate someone's points, attack them personally. You are a one trick pony. Saying someone isn't leaving anytime soon so we should just suck it up and take it, isnt an argument. It's a I disagree with you, 'so just shut up ' tactic. This is a message board to discuss the current state of the program. That's what we are doing. You'll have to deal with with it.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

I have invalidated your points many times. The constant whining is the meltdown. I really should not have to explain it to you over and over. To state an opinion about not having faith in the coach is one thing but some of you guys were on a full time mission of insulting the coach and demanding his removal all day everyday. When someone posted anything positive or pointed out that said coach had accomplished things that had not been done here in a very long time it upset you to the point that you had to go on a full attack of that person as well.

 

[Macys Socks]

Pope still sucks

 

[UKCowboys]

We won't know whether you're right until next season. Until then it's supposition and opinion.
I have one account since 2009.
You've had yours since March. No doubt just to be negative.

Absolutely

 

[UKCowboys]

Yea just to be negative. We have two seasons of what Pope is and about 10 before his time at UK. Yea idk about this upcoming season but anybody can see what is about to happen.

So are you saying as a fan sit back shut up and watch the **** show? Ummm hell no buddy. I'm gonna keep btchn until Pope is gone. If that's negative to you then yes I'm negative.

I hope he does good. I hope we win and I'm completely wrong. Idk man. Wish I had like almost 15 years of Evidence on Pope.

Still sobbing. So sad.

 

[Anon927648]

won more quad 1 games than any team in the history of the game

Where on earth are you getting this stat? I think that's way off...

 

[CatManFromCa]

You people who bash Pope all the time are disgusting. Of anybody deserves more time it’s Pope. Hes one of us! He knows what the program is about! You people have shown no mercy at all!! The guy is down right now and you people keep kicking and kicking him! Disgusting! You make fun of anything he does or doesn’t do, you do your best to destroy the man any way possible.
Do you really think last year would have been as bad had Lowe stayed healthy? No! It wouldn’t have! Both years hes been here Pope has had to deal with injuries that any coach would have struggled with! Instead of kicking him let’s do our best to help him up. the potential was there last year. All you all were talking title after they beat Purdue in the exhibition game.
Pope is not Cal he isn’t going to get all 5 stars like Cal needed to win. Pope needs his style players for his way. Give him a year or two with no injuries and his players and see what happens. Pope cares and he wants what we want. None of you know why a player doesn’t come here there could be any reason other than Pope. Maybe they don’t like Lexington or the style of play or the nil crap or maybe just maybe they hear about fans like you people who turn on someone unfairly. Shame on all you who hate!

You all were screaming ‘TITLE’ after the Purdue exhibition because you SAW IT. You FELT IT. You KNOW the potential is there. But the second adversity hits, some of you turn into doomsday prophets predicting the end of the program.
Give him time. Give him HEALTH. Give him HIS players. And watch what happens!

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

You all were screaming ‘TITLE’ after the Purdue exhibition because you SAW IT. You FELT IT. You KNOW the potential is there. But the second adversity hits, some of you turn into doomsday prophets predicting the end of the program.
Give him time. Give him HEALTH. Give him HIS players. And watch what happens!

Sadly we barely saw that team the rest of the season

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I will say, Pope seems to be closing out the transfer portal on a high note. Grabbed McBride and Kepang, maybe this Momcivilic guy. Ill give him some credit. We may actually have a team that can get to a S16, which is close to what we want.

However, my worry is just that, is this recruiting good enough for go much past the 2nd weekend in the tournament? And will we really be able to compete with these teams like Duke, even Tenn and UofL who are getting a lot of the bigger names abd better talents? Are we getting the guys we want, or are these just leftovers. I guess we will see what Pope can do.

Still, credit where credit is too. Nice way to end this last week.

 

[anot]

Still sobbing. So sad.

Na. But Pope is great. I love the way the program is being ran and perceived currently. I live everything about coming in 9th in sec. Is that better cowboy?

What do you want me to do ?

 

[LarryLegend9]

I will say, Pope seems to be closing out the transfer portal on a high note. Grabbed McBride and Kepang, maybe this Momcivilic guy. Ill give him some credit. We may actually have a team that can get to a S16, which is close to what we want.

However, my worry is just that, is this recruiting good enough for go much past the 2nd weekend in the tournament? And will we really be able to compete with these teams like Duke, even Tenn and UofL who are getting a lot of the bigger names abd better talents? Are we getting the guys we want, or are these just leftovers. I guess we will see what Pope can do.

Still, credit where credit is too. Nice way to end this last week.

I think we will have to get Momcilovic to have any shot at being good in SEC play. I’m worried about how McBride will do playing in a better conference and against better competition. The recruiting services have him ranked in the 200 range and I’m curious why.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Na. But Pope is great. I love the way the program is being ran and perceived currently. I live everything about coming in 9th in sec. Is that better cowboy?

What do you want me to do ?

It was actually tied for 7th in the SEC and a very questionable call against Auburn away from tied for 4th.

 

[Tim0808]

I just don't get the piling on. He may not succeed here, but it gives me no pleasure, and I certainly don't root for it.

I also don't think you can call him a failure at this point. Below standards? Yes, but we have made the tournament twice.

He is a failure!!!

 

[UKCowboys]

Na. But Pope is great. I love the way the program is being ran and perceived currently. I live everything about coming in 9th in sec. Is that better cowboy?

What do you want me to do ?

Just be you man. Nothing wrong with tender little tears streaming down your cheeks. Bless your heart

 

[kyjeff1]

Where on earth are you getting this stat? I think that's way off...

It was discussed ad nauseam going into the tournament last year.

 

[Anon927648]

It was discussed ad nauseam going into the tournament last year.

Yeah? How many Q1 wins exactly? Nowhere close to the record...

 

[anot]

Just be you man. Nothing wrong with tender little tears streaming down your cheeks. Bless your heart

Lol ok cowboy. It's not about me. Or you. Pope sucks man. Idk why you hate the truth.

 

[anot]

It was actually tied for 7th in the SEC and a very questionable call against Auburn away from tied for 4th.

It was actually 9th man. If we would of beat Wisconsin we would of been 40-0 probably. I don't really care about almost tied for seventh and almost 4th. We were 9th point blank. If you put yourself In a position to lose tie breakers and end up ninth then that's just what it is. There's no sugar coating anything.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

It was actually 9th man. If we would of beat Wisconsin we would of been 40-0 probably. I don't really care about almost tied for seventh and almost 4th. We were 9th point blank. If you put yourself In a position to lose tie breakers and end up ninth then that's just what it is. There's no sugar coating anything.

It wasn't almost tied for 7th it was tied for 7th. The call against Auburn was total BS and kept it from being tied for 4th. The fact that Cowboy has gotten your knickers in a twist this evening does not change these facts. Tie breakers for tournament seeding does not undo the fact that it was tied for 7th.

 

[anot]

It wasn't almost tied for 7th it was tied for 7th. The call against Auburn was total BS and kept it from being tied for 4th. The fact that Cowboy has gotten your knickers in a twist this evening does not change these facts. Tie breakers for tournament seeding does not undo the fact that it was tied for 7th.

Why are y'all so dead set on cowboy supposeddly doing something to me...he replied to me I replied to him. I haven't used any kind of negative remarks towards anybody.


But so are you saying we didn't finish 9th? the record books don't say 9th? If not then I can admit I'm wrong. It's odd that people want to make it personal when it's about UK. Nobody has my knickers in a twist lol. Just because I said we finished 9th? Maybe I should go back and read what I said to make sure I didn't call anyone names or saying something negative.

Whatever place we finished in is a fact not an opinion. So what place in the SEC did we finish in because I heard it was 9th. But I don't know everything I could be wrong. Focus on the convo lol.

 

[LarryLegend9]

Why are y'all so dead set on cowboy supposeddly doing something to me...he replied to me I replied to him. I haven't used any kind of negative remarks towards anybody.


But so are you saying we didn't finish 9th? the record books don't say 9th? If not then I can admit I'm wrong. It's odd that people want to make it personal when it's about UK. Nobody has my knickers in a twist lol. Just because I said we finished 9th? Maybe I should go back and read what I said to make sure I didn't call anyone names or saying something negative.

Whatever place we finished in is a fact not an opinion. So what place in the SEC did we finish in because I heard it was 9th. But I don't know everything I could be wrong. Focus on the convo lol.

We were the 9th seed in the SEC tournament , I believe.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Why are y'all so dead et in cowboy supposeddly doing something to me...he replied to me I replied to him. I haven't used any kind of negative remarks towards anybody.


But so are you saying we didn't finish 9th? the record books don't say 9th? If not then I can admit I'm wrong. It's odd that people want to make it personal when it's about UK. Nobody has my knickers in a twist lol. Just because I said we finished 9th? Maybe I should go back and read what I said to make sure I didn't call anyone names are saying something negative.

Whatever place we finished in is a fact not an opinion. So what place in the SEC did we finish in because I heard it was 9th. But I don't know everything I could be wrong. Focus on the convo lol.

I have told you we tied for 7th multiple times now.

Conference Standings - 2026 SEC Men's Basketball | WarrenNolan.com

SEC Conference Standings for Men's College Basketball with division standings, games back, team NET, streaks, and conference NET

www.warrennolan.com

2025-26 Men's Southeastern Conference Season Summary | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2025-26 Men's Southeastern Conference Season Summary

www.sports-reference.com

 

[anot]

We were the 9th seed in the SEC tournament , I believe.

You sir are correct. These guys coming at me are confusing the crap out of me literally. Im just stating facts. I'm not attacking anybody or I don't feel attacked lol. So bizarre.

 

[anot]

I have told you we tied for 7th multiple times now.

Conference Standings - 2026 SEC Men's Basketball | WarrenNolan.com

SEC Conference Standings for Men's College Basketball with division standings, games back, team NET, streaks, and conference NET

www.warrennolan.com

2025-26 Men's Southeastern Conference Season Summary | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2025-26 Men's Southeastern Conference Season Summary

www.sports-reference.com

We tied for seventh but lost the tie breaker which put us in ninth...... So forget about the number nine....say we are 7th. Not 7th out right but tied for seventh with other teams. I'm not happy with that which is the whole point. Tied for seventh is dog crap and Pope is dog crap.

 

[LarryLegend9]

You sir are correct. These guys coming at me are confusing the crap out of me literally. Im just stating facts. I'm not attacking anybody or I don't feel attacked lol. So bizarre.
View attachment 1287691

Didn’t we place 7th in Popes first season?

 

[anot]

Didn’t we place 7th in Popes first season?

I think so I'm not sure

 

[Hunting9]

It wasn't almost tied for 7th it was tied for 7th. The call against Auburn was total BS and kept it from being tied for 4th. The fact that Cowboy has gotten your knickers in a twist this evening does not change these facts. Tie breakers for tournament seeding does not undo the fact that it was tied for 7th.

You seem to be a good / knowledgeable poster and I don’t want to keep this Pope ‘thing’ going either. But Cowboy is a trouble making fraud. I think he’s kybassfan reincarnated reading his garbage.

I know you mean well but talking about Kentucky being ‘tied for 7th’ and the Auburn comment are further testament of how bad things are now. Every team has a bad year but a bad year at Kentucky should be tying for 2nd or being runner up in the SEC Tournament. Not what we are today.

Recruiting is also at an all time embarrassment and things are just broken. If we were a car they would say we were totaled. I don’t agree that Pope should be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail. He just needs to be gone and let the healing begin.

Before you reply about my post count just know I had to start a new account when the changeover occurred and I’ve been on this board for a lot of years and a lot of posts so I’m not a troll …. I just want UK basketball back and our current coach is beyond terrible.