State of the Program

[Artlaibesghost]

It's hopeless

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Not worse than coach g. Not even close.

But hes been pretty average at best.

I think he’s far worse than BCG. You never saw a BCG team just quit. It’s a staple with Pope’s teams.

Neither should have ever been hired at UK.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Pope is 1-1 against St. Cal lol. What's Pitino's record against St. Cal? Not very good. I can guarantee you 1 thing, Pope has forgotten more about offense than St. Cal will ever know, that man runs 3 plays, floppy action, screen for the guard to drive & pick & roll, once you stop those he's clueless. How many times did we ever see his team score after he draws up a play out of a timeout? Hardly ever. Pope's teams usually score after he draws up a play.


I'm glad Cal came here & won us a title but he was a recruiter more than a coach, still is, once coaches started using a modern offense & he pissed off Phil Knight at Nike, his days were numbered. If we're being honest, had it not been for Anthony Davis, he wouldn't even have the 1 title. All of that talent here & only 1 title. His coaching is exactly why.


Is Mark Pope the answer, I'd have to say a hard "no" but this is the best team he's ever assembled & I think they'll be a lot better than people are saying, he's never had guards that can create shots for others, now he has 2 of them.


Right now I'm more excited about football, we have a bright young offensive mind of a HC & as a season ticket holder I'm excited.

What does Pope run?

zoom?

the same offense everyone learns in the 8th grade.

Pope is not a good coach. He is mediocre on offense and can’t spell defense or rebounding.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Billy Gillispie’s best players in 2008

Patrick Patterson - Wasn’t he recruited by Smith?
Ramey Bradley- Tubby Smith returnee
Joe Crawford - Tubby Smith returnee
Derrick Jasper - Tubby Smith returnee
Perry Stevenson - Tubby Smith returnee
Jodie Meeks - Tubby Smith returnee
Ramon Harris - Tubby Smith returnee

Maybe it felt as though BCG was left with a bare cupboard but Id contest that. Bradley, Meeks and Crawford were very good players. Jasper, Stevenson and Harris were quality role players. No reason to have been an 11 seed with that team, even with the Meeks injury.

BCG inherited a 12 loss team that lost its top 6 scorers. Yes Tubby recruited PP but couldn’t get him. BCG got him. Even though Tubby tried to recruit him to Minn.

Tubby would have had a losing season had he stayed.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

I think he’s far worse than BCG. You never saw a BCG team just quit. It’s a staple with Pope’s teams.

Neither should have ever been hired at UK.

BCG got beat 93-52 by Vandy but you believe they gave their all for 40 minutes?

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

BCG inherited a 12 loss team that lost its top 6 scorers. Yes Tubby recruited PP but couldn’t get him. BCG got him. Even though Tubby tried to recruit him to Minn.

Tubby would have had a losing season had he stayed.

This is totally inaccurate. We only lost two of the top 6 scorers with one of them being Perry at 8.4 ppg. Do you bother to look things up or just make it up as you go? There is zero chance Tubby would have had a losing season with that group.

 

[OliverSimmonsTwinBrother]

BCG inherited a 12 loss team that lost its top 6 scorers. Yes Tubby recruited PP but couldn’t get him. BCG got him. Even though Tubby tried to recruit him to Minn.

Tubby would have had a losing season had he stayed.

BCG was getting ready to start rolling if Mama Legion had have minded her own damn business.

 

[RunninRichie]

Program is dead under Pope. I will still watch. But 0 hope that we are winning anything.

 

[Catastic5]

I think a lot of us are worried that Pope will do jjst well enough to keep his job while leaving most fans unsatisfied. As fans, we cannot allow that to happen. If he can’t knock it out of the park this year, he needs to leave and fans need to make their displeasure known to the admin. A “Sweet 16” after struggling in the SEC again shouldn’t be enough for him to come back for a 4th season.

It’s why I don’t agree with postseason success being the end-all-be-all of measuring success and why his contract is so completely ridiculous. The regular season has to matter. It’s embarrassing becoming a middle-of-the-road SEC team under Pope. We’ve become “one of the SEC teams who made the tournament” to prop up SEC basketball.

 

[kyjeff1]

Mark pope gets a F

Which appears to be the same grade you received in grammar.

 

[kyjeff1]

The fairest take on Pope is that his imprint on being successful is yet undetermined, but he gives absolutely zero vibes that he's going to get this thing where it needs to be to satisfy the fanbase. It's a potentially bad situation and could be like Mike Tomlin where he treads water just enough to hold on, meanwhile the credibility of the program waters down.

Very fair take and I agree. I hope to be proven wrong though.
I just think it's only fair to give him an honest chance to right the ship, after all, this is all on Barnhart, he’s the one that put us in this position.

 

[kyjeff1]

Other than the Covid season, you’d have to go back to 1989 to see UK finish lower than fourth in the conference.

Pope has finished 7th twice. He’s 20-16 in conference.

At least be fair, the SEC was a joke for most of its existence. Only the last 3 seasons has it been anything more than average.

If you're going to make a statement, at least post all the facts.

 

[kyjeff1]

Pope gets down double digits almost every game against a team with a pulse. Thats not good coaching.

And Cal had some good coaching moments here. People like u ignore what he did n 2011 after the ncaa screwed UK and took a basically 6 man team to the final four. And in 2014 when he took a bunch of freshmen and poy to the title game after losing wcs to injury.

He definitely should have won more than one title but we also got screwed n some close ncaa tourney losses to unc, ucinn and Wisconsin by the refs. Plus the key injuries in 2014 and 2015. Those injuries prevented a couple titles.

Yet people like u focus on Popes injuries knowing we weren't winning anything thst matters even healthy.

I cant believe we actually having fans pumping pope up over a guy who won a title, 4 final fours and 7 elite 8s.

Yup, you're right, the 2009-2020 version of Cal, is >>>>> Pope, but the 21-24 version of Cal, was a complete joke. I would rather have Pope over whoever the clown was that we had from 20/21-2024.

 

[kyjeff1]

I think he’s far worse than BCG. You never saw a BCG team just quit. It’s a staple with Pope’s teams.

Neither should have ever been hired at UK.

You should go watch the Gardner Webb game again.

In fact, that entire team wanted to quit. Joe and Ramel have openly talked about wanting to quit many times.

You simply don't know what you are talking about, or you just don't remember.

We get it, weak minded people like you are trying so hard to make Pope seem worse than what he is. You look like an idiot when you say Pope is worse than BCG. BCG was an absolute joke that got ran out of here after 2 years. He went to an NIT playing an incredibly weak schedule, while Pope has played a top 3 and top 4 SOS, made the tournament both seasons and has a sweet 16. BCG never won a game that would make Pope’s top 10.

 

[BookofMormon]

You should go watch the Gardner Webb game again.

In fact, that entire team wanted to quit. Joe and Ramel have openly talked about wanting to quit many times.

You simply don't know what you are talking about, or you just don't remember.

We get it, weak minded people like you are trying so hard to make Pope seem worse than what he is. You look like an idiot when you say Pope is worse than BCG. BCG was an absolute joke that got ran out of here after 2 years. He went to an NIT playing an incredibly weak schedule, while Pope has played a top 3 and top 4 SOS, made the tournament both seasons and has a sweet 16. BCG never won a game that would make Pope’s top 10.

Lot of folks here just don't like Pope the leader. You can't totally dislike him as a person or because of his results yet, as it's only been two seasons and he got UK to the S16 Y1. That's as good as you could have hoped. He laid an egg Y2, but under tough conditions.

I think most people don't like the man because his leadership traits are uninspiring and fans project themselves onto players they know want to be lead by a real leader. Leadership does not come naturally to everyone, it's a unique skill. When you have a good one, it brings team/fanbase together. When you have what feels like fake version of one, it makes everyone a bit limp.

He feels more like a guy that should be the head of the cheerleading team than the basketball team as of now, from a leadership perspective.

There just haven't been many successful goofy coaches in the history of sports. Leaders tend to be alphas, stern, serious, intense, competitive and professional. Pope is....goofy.

Cal is a bit different, but his niche is being the best salesman in CBB history. If he wasn't a coach, he'd be selling cars.

 

[BookofMormon]

Pope is 1-1 against St. Cal lol. What's Pitino's record against St. Cal? Not very good. I can guarantee you 1 thing, Pope has forgotten more about offense than St. Cal will ever know, that man runs 3 plays, floppy action, screen for the guard to drive & pick & roll, once you stop those he's clueless. How many times did we ever see his team score after he draws up a play out of a timeout? Hardly ever. Pope's teams usually score after he draws up a play.


I'm glad Cal came here & won us a title but he was a recruiter more than a coach, still is, once coaches started using a modern offense & he pissed off Phil Knight at Nike, his days were numbered. If we're being honest, had it not been for Anthony Davis, he wouldn't even have the 1 title. All of that talent here & only 1 title. His coaching is exactly why.


Is Mark Pope the answer, I'd have to say a hard "no" but this is the best team he's ever assembled & I think they'll be a lot better than people are saying, he's never had guards that can create shots for others, now he has 2 of them.t


Right now I'm more excited about football, we have a bright young offensive mind of a HC & as a season ticket holder I'm excited.

When you look back at Cal - the reality is he went from an Elite 8 to 2 COVID years which you have to give a full pass on. Then three early exits (1st, 2nd, 1st). He was pushed out for those three years.

Take a look at a guy like Jim Calhoun, who's considered a top 5 coach in the sport. In the 6 years between his titles, he missed the tourney twice, lost to George Mason in the Elite 8 and got knocked out in the 1st and 2nd round two years. Sometimes you have to be patient.

This fanbase has zero. Why I question any established comfortable coach coming.

 

[kyjeff1]

Lot of folks here just don't like Pope the leader. You can't totally dislike him as a person or because of his results yet, as it's only been two seasons and he got UK to the S16 Y1. That's as good as you could have hoped. He laid an egg Y2, but under tough conditions.

I think most people don't like the man because his leadership traits are uninspiring and fans project themselves onto players they know want to be lead by a real leader. Leadership does not come naturally to everyone, it's a unique skill. When you have a good one, it brings team/fanbase together. When you have what feels like fake version of one, it makes everyone a bit limp.

He feels more like a guy that should be the head of the cheerleading team than the basketball team as of now, from a leadership perspective.

There just haven't been many successful goofy coaches in the history of sports. Leaders tend to be alphas, stern, serious, intense, competitive and professional. Pope is....goofy.

Cal is a bit different, but his niche is being the best salesman in CBB history. If he wasn't a coach, he'd be selling cars.

Yeah, I agree on all points. My only hope is MP figures it out and becomes the guy that is capable of winning big here.

But these guys running around here acting like Pope is the worst coach we have ever had, is crazy. They act like he went to the NIT both years. I can't take anyone seriously that tries to say he's worse than BCG. That's some 5 year old temper tantrum type stuff there.

 

[Cats_2010]

Lot of folks here just don't like Pope the leader. You can't totally dislike him as a person or because of his results yet, as it's only been two seasons and he got UK to the S16 Y1. That's as good as you could have hoped. He laid an egg Y2, but under tough conditions.

I think most people don't like the man because his leadership traits are uninspiring and fans project themselves onto players they know want to be lead by a real leader. Leadership does not come naturally to everyone, it's a unique skill. When you have a good one, it brings team/fanbase together. When you have what feels like fake version of one, it makes everyone a bit limp.

He feels more like a guy that should be the head of the cheerleading team than the basketball team as of now, from a leadership perspective.

There just haven't been many successful goofy coaches in the history of sports. Leaders tend to be alphas, stern, serious, intense, competitive and professional. Pope is....goofy.

Cal is a bit different, but his niche is being the best salesman in CBB history. If he wasn't a coach, he'd be selling cars.

This is a great post, one of the better ones I have read regarding pope. Well done!!!!

 

[0r1c]

Pope is 1-1 against St. Cal lol. What's Pitino's record against St. Cal? Not very good. I can guarantee you 1 thing, Pope has forgotten more about offense than St. Cal will ever know, that man runs 3 plays, floppy action, screen for the guard to drive & pick & roll, once you stop those he's clueless. How many times did we ever see his team score after he draws up a play out of a timeout? Hardly ever. Pope's teams usually score after he draws up a play.


I'm glad Cal came here & won us a title but he was a recruiter more than a coach, still is, once coaches started using a modern offense & he pissed off Phil Knight at Nike, his days were numbered. If we're being honest, had it not been for Anthony Davis, he wouldn't even have the 1 title. All of that talent here & only 1 title. His coaching is exactly why.


Is Mark Pope the answer, I'd have to say a hard "no" but this is the best team he's ever assembled & I think they'll be a lot better than people are saying, he's never had guards that can create shots for others, now he has 2 of them.


Right now I'm more excited about football, we have a bright young offensive mind of a HC & as a season ticket holder I'm excited.

TBF myself and others don't really care about "the best team Mark Pope has ever assembled." Because that's still a sweet sixteen team and a middle of the pack SEC finish.

Having Pope as the coach right now is extremely dangerous for the brand/image and future of Kentucky basketball and I don't think people have really grasped that yet.

 

[sefus12]

Program is dead under Pope. I will still watch. But 0 hope that we are winning anything.

Did Pope already fail in year 3?

 

[0r1c]

At least be fair, the SEC was a joke for most of its existence. Only the last 3 seasons has it been anything more than average.

If you're going to make a statement, at least post all the facts.

That doesn't really matter though. The SEC might have been a "joke," but Kentucky certainly wasn't. Now under Pope, Kentucky could easily be lumped into "the SEC is a joke" group of teams.

 

[KyWideWes]

You should go watch the Gardner Webb game again.

In fact, that entire team wanted to quit. Joe and Ramel have openly talked about wanting to quit many times.

You simply don't know what you are talking about, or you just don't remember.

We get it, weak minded people like you are trying so hard to make Pope seem worse than what he is. You look like an idiot when you say Pope is worse than BCG. BCG was an absolute joke that got ran out of here after 2 years. He went to an NIT playing an incredibly weak schedule, while Pope has played a top 3 and top 4 SOS, made the tournament both seasons and has a sweet 16. BCG never won a game that would make Pope’s top 10.

He practiced them incredibly hard that day, their legs were shot. The guy was legit nuts and self medicated. I am not bullish on Pope but BCG was rock bottom.

 

[MichaelGray]

What does Pope run?

zoom?

the same offense everyone learns in the 8th grade.

Pope is not a good coach. He is mediocre on offense and can’t spell defense or rebounding.

He scores out of timeouts when he draws up.plays, something Cal was clueless about. His offenses have always been rated pretty high & they score when he has shooting.

I never said Pope was a great coach, so many people in this thread seemed to be praising Cal so I just pointed out something Pope is better than Cal at. Pope wasn't my choice as HC but it was time for Cal to go & if Barnfart had any ******* balls, he would've put the full court press on Billy Donovan, all he had to do was wait 4 days & the NBA season was over. I don't care how long he's been away from coaching college, he has 2 titles & would kill it here imo.


Pope is who we have right at this moment obviously, do you want him to fail? I don't, I'm a true blue Kentucky fan so I'm never wishing for them to lose in hopes of switching coaches. This will be his best team ever talent wise so if he fails he will be gone. The new AD knows how important basketball is to all of us & he won't be like Barnfart.

 

[MichaelGray]

Which appears to be the same grade you received in grammar.

Probably an F-

 

[MichaelGray]

TBF myself and others don't really care about "the best team Mark Pope has ever assembled." Because that's still a sweet sixteen team and a middle of the pack SEC finish.

Having Pope as the coach right now is extremely dangerous for the brand/image and future of Kentucky basketball and I don't think people have really grasped that yet.

You seriously think this year's team is middle of the pack in the SEC? Florida is the only team that on paper looks clearly better. Exactly, it's all on paper right now & no one knows. Tennessee & Arkansas nor Alabama look any better than we do. Wait till the SEC media days & you'll see where people in the media rank us in conference.

 

[0r1c]

You seriously think this year's team is middle of the pack in the SEC? Florida is the only team that on paper looks clearly better. Exactly, it's all on paper right now & no one knows. Tennessee & Arkansas nor Alabama look any better than we do. Wait till the SEC media days & you'll see where people in the media rank us in conference.

There are 5 or 6 rosters as good "on paper" in the SEC and most importantly, Pope consistently loses double digit games and finishes in the middle of the conference.

You don't have to say "on paper" when we have a coach who has proven over and over he will finish in the middle. Games aren't only won and lost by rosters on paper.

 

[0r1c]

You seriously think this year's team is middle of the pack in the SEC? Florida is the only team that on paper looks clearly better. Exactly, it's all on paper right now & no one knows. Tennessee & Arkansas nor Alabama look any better than we do. Wait till the SEC media days & you'll see where people in the media rank us in conference.

(Not a ranking)

• John Calipari — Arkansas
• Rick Barnes — Tennessee
• Sean Miller — Texas
• Nate Oats — Alabama
• Todd Golden — Florida
• Chris Beard — Ole Miss
• Mike White — Georgia
• Chris Jans — Mississippi State
• Mark Pope — Kentucky
• Porter Moser — Oklahoma
• Lamont Paris — South Carolina
• Dennis Gates — Missouri
• Will Wade - LSU
• Bucky McMillan — Texas A&M
• Steven Pearl — Auburn
• Mark Byington — Vanderbilt

Pope is around the #7-12th best coach in the SEC and is definitely not a top-25 coach. I don't understand what the argument is for keeping him, at all.

 

[MichaelGray]

There are 5 or 6 rosters as good "on paper" in the SEC and most importantly, Pope consistently loses double digit games and finishes in the middle of the conference.

You don't have to say "on paper" when we have a coach who has proven over and over he will finish in the middle. Games aren't only won and lost by rosters on paper.

Games aren't won on paper period. Again, I get the part where he's never finished above middle of the pack in conference, however, let's see how this plays out with this team before we get all gloom & doom. If he can't do anything with this squad then he needs to go.

 

[MichaelGray]

(Not a ranking)

• John Calipari — Arkansas
• Rick Barnes — Tennessee
• Sean Miller — Texas
• Nate Oats — Alabama
• Todd Golden — Florida
• Chris Beard — Ole Miss
• Mike White — Georgia
• Chris Jans — Mississippi State
• Mark Pope — Kentucky
• Porter Moser — Oklahoma
• Lamont Paris — South Carolina
• Dennis Gates — Missouri
• Will Wade - LSU
• Bucky McMillan — Texas A&M
• Steven Pearl — Auburn
• Mark Byington — Vanderbilt

Pope is around the #7-12th best coach in the SEC and is definitely not a top-25 coach. I don't understand what the argument is for keeping him, at all.

I'm not trying to argue about keeping him, I wasn't in favor of hiring him in the first place. I'm saying give the man a chance with this team, it's more talent than he's ever had anywhere. Do we honestly have a choice anyways lol? He's our coach (for now) & I'm certainly not pulling for Kentucky to lose games.

 

[davtay]

Games aren't won on paper period. Again, I get the part where he's never finished above middle of the pack in conference, however, let's see how this plays out with this team before we get all gloom & doom. If he can't do anything with this squad then he needs to go.

I think that this is very reasonable and all that most of us labeled as "Popettes" and pumpers are saying. But there is a group that will accept nothing but fire him immediately or you are placed in the "Popette" group. There is no reasonable discourse with them.