Question for those who are against Pope

[LatoniaCat]

ad nauseam

 

[MY_POPE]

Fans aren't stupid. We know Mitch was the problem. But honestly what do you care who likes or doesn't like Pope? J Batt or any athletic director doesn't consult the fans when they make decisions.

He deserves a level of respect--outside of his coaching--that he's not currently getting. It's possible to hate him as a coach and have positive feelings otherwise. Not all the haters just the mouth breathers with lack of critical thinking skills saying fiaar poaaap

 

[MY_POPE]

If facts are shat talking, so be it. The “one of us” and “Captain of the 96 squad” and that whole schtick was just overblown. The fanbase was desperate for anti-Cal and Mitch set the PR wheels in motion. And the majority of BBN slurped it up. It frustrates the hell out of me what has happened. Not just the poor performance, but the division the PR campaign indirectly caused.

Here’s a question. If he’s one of us and dream job and sacred cloth and whatever other word garble spews out…You think he’s still connected to UK once he’s gone? Hell no he won’t be. He will slide right back out to Utah or wherever. That’s home to him. But Mitch needed a sales pitch and he got a huge portion of the fanbase to buy it because they’re just fans and desperate. That part pisses me off more than anything.

Yeah I do think he will stay just as connected as his teammates from 96 and other alumni. Perhaps--even though he's Mormon--people can grasp the fact that its not just in Utah and has nothing to do with coaching. There's almost a cultural element where being Mormon is just the icing on the cake for southern Christians.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

Fans aren't stupid. We know Mitch was the problem. But honestly what do you care who likes or doesn't like Pope? J Batt or any athletic director doesn't consult the fans when they make decisions.

And right here is 100% the truth and that’s why all the infighting, name calling and gatekeeping on here is a complete waste of time. The positive fans aren’t hurting anyone. Neither are the negative fans, as long as they are conducting themselves within reason. The dogmatic people on both sides of this idiotic debate irritate the hell out of me.

Coach Pope *most likely* isn’t getting it done to Kentucky standards. But he’s the coach and I hope him the best. As for the fans, I don’t care what your opinion of Pope is one way or another — if you want UK to win every game, you’re my brother. But the moment you wish for losses to speed run a coaching change, that’s a line too far for me to consider you a fan. Sorry not sorry.

 

[MY_POPE]

Wrong, you don't get to do that. You're just trying to distract from the issue at hand, which is, we look questionable against a weak team in an exhibition. All of us had hopes that Pope would turn this around, but the evidence continues to stack like bricks in a wall.

It is a FACT that fans are not in charge of hiring and firing. Otherwise we would have had Calipari or Donovan right after Tubby. Or before. What chaps your arse is that we have free rein to complain all we want. You want us silenced. That's not going to happen. Demanding that we supply a list of coaches is just a form of moving the goalposts which is a logical fallacy. When you manage to summon sufficient brain cells to construct a logical argument, get back to me.

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask what the plan is so we aren't in the same situation down the road. Yeah no poop we're not in charge of hiring or firing. What would be your plan if you're J Batt? Rank your replacements or something.

 

[kyjeff1]

Your gaslighting is insufferable. You're actively propagandizing, trying to convince people that making the tournament is "not bad." Take your mediocrity and shove it up your kiester.

If you're satisfied with a tournament appearance and an early exit, bully for you. But you have no business shaming other fans for being dissatisfied with those kinds of results. Literally eff off.

How ya feeling this morning, Ashtray?
You had a lot of cosmo's last night, heck, you were hammered by 4:00. Seek help.

 

[kyjeff1]

They’re acting like an abusive girlfriend. “You can’t do better than me!”

There are so many better coaches in the mid-majors who would do better than what we have. But according to these people, we can’t even hire a coach from freaking Miami of all schools. Like they give a f*** about basketball.

Wait, I thought we only wanted coaches that have actually accomplished something?

Can you guys make up your minds? Do we want guys that have been to a FF, or do we want unproven mid-major coaches? WTF has Jai Lucas accomplished?

You guys are all over the map in this.

 

[kyjeff1]

No one wants him to fail, we just see that he’s going to and we’re tired of mediocre basketball. We all enjoyed that first season because we thought the flaws were a result of having to put together a team quickly, turns out that’s just how a pope team is which is why most didn’t want him hired to begin with.

LOL, you're blind as a bat, or purposely obtuse.

Tell me this, what is your definition of failure for a UK coach?

This should be good, especially since you know what's coming after you try to say FF is the standard. Go ahead, give it a shot.

Keep in mind, this isn’t the old SEC where only 2 or 3 teams made the tournament. But go ahead.

 

[kyjeff1]

And right here is 100% the truth and that’s why all the infighting, name calling and gatekeeping on here is a complete waste of time. The positive fans aren’t hurting anyone. Neither are the negative fans, as long as they are conducting themselves within reason. The dogmatic people on both sides of this idiotic debate irritate the hell out of me.

Coach Pope *most likely* isn’t getting it done to Kentucky standards. But he’s the coach and I hope him the best. As for the fans, I don’t care what your opinion of Pope is one way or another — if you want UK to win every game, you’re my brother. But the moment you wish for losses to speed run a coaching change, that’s a line too far for me to consider you a fan. Sorry not sorry.

The issue I think is funny is the fact that us "pumpers" consistently state that we very much believe Pope isn’t the right guy for the job, we just hope he proves us wrong".

So we are agreeing with them, but we get attacked, simply because we're being positive. It’s very odd.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

The issue I think is funny is the fact that us "pumpers" consistently state that we very much believe Pope isn’t the right guy for the job, we just hope he proves us wrong".

So we are agreeing with them, but we get attacked, simply because we're being positive. It’s very odd.

Agree. Very.

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

LOL, you're blind as a bat, or purposely obtuse.

Tell me this, what is your definition of failure for a UK coach?

This should be good, especially since you know what's coming after you try to say FF is the standard. Go ahead, give it a shot.

Keep in mind, this isn’t the old SEC where only 2 or 3 teams made the tournament. But go ahead.

i know what its not. the standard is not:

• 63% winning percentage
• avg 7th place finish in the SEC standings
• Average 1.5 wins in the SECT
• Average 1.5 wins in NCAAT
• 14 double digit losses in 2 seasons -- significantly more getting behind in games by double digit points
• failure to recruit at the HS level
• failure to properly construct a portal roster despite spending 45M-50M in 2 yeas

 

[UKCowboys]

You're an absolute liar. You don't believe that for one moment.. starting Center on the championship team and team captain.

He must have only seen him on YouTube highlights...thats how people know LeBron must be better than Jordan lol

 

[kyjeff1]

i know what its not. the standard is not:

• 63% winning percentage
• avg 7th place finish in the SEC standings
• Average 1.5 wins in the SECT
• Average 1.5 wins in NCAAT
• 14 double digit losses in 2 seasons -- significantly more getting behind in games by double digit points
• failure to recruit at the HS level
• failure to properly construct a portal roster despite spending 45M-50M in 2 yeas

Against the 2 toughest SOS' in school history with 2 starting PG's that were either out for the season, or playing on a busted shoulder. Also with a hobbled pf (Carr), no backup pg (both seasons), without our starting sf (Robinson) and without your lottery pick center (JQ).

Fans like you are the worst. You obviously never played a single sport at any level. You’re not winning crap if your starting 5 is depleted, or playing hurt against the schedules those 2 teams played.

This isn’t a video game.

 

[kyjeff1]

What would our FB team's record be if:

-Minchey's right shoulder was torn
-Darby was out with a wrist injury
-Rodriguez was trying to play with a bad back
-Backup pg was out for the season

Would this team even have 1 win? You guys would want Will Stein fired, right?

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

Against the 2 toughest SOS' in school history with 2 starting PG's that were either out for the season, or playing on a busted shoulder. Also with a hobbled pf (Carr), no backup pg (both seasons), without our starting sf (Robinson) and without your lottery pick center (JQ).

Fans like you are the worst. You obviously never played a single sport at any level. You’re not winning crap if your starting 5 is depleted, or playing hurt against the schedules those 2 teams played.

This isn’t a video game.

fans like you are the worst. pope brought in JQ with a totally blown out knee. but yeah lets use the injury cause why not. this isnt little league, this is the pros.

50M in NIL spend in 2 years. nothing to show for it. failing is failing.

 

[kyjeff1]

fans like you are the worst. pope brought in JQ with a totally blown out knee. but yeah lets use the injury cause why not. this isnt little league, this is the pros.

50M in NIL spend in 2 years. nothing to show for it. failing is failing.

Okay, who are you offering the job to? Doesn't really matter, you're going to trash the guy as soon as he loses a game. That's what you do.

 

[Resignmarkpope]

Do you want to see him succeed elsewhere if not here? It seems like some of the hate as a coach has transitioned to a personal hate for a dude that loves BBN, is a member of BBN. Can the haters at least say hey he ain't it but he was in 96? Hate him as a coach. Hate mitch for hiring him.

He won’t! No major d1 school will hire him. He’s a mid major coach! He’s a notch below Travis ford!

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

Okay, who are you offering the job to? Doesn't really matter, you're going to trash the guy as soon as he loses a game. That's what you do.

this is why fans like you are the worst. pointing out facts of failure is not "trashing" anyone. none of this is personal. pope's performance speaks for itself. he can right the ship. but that requires winning at a level he has never done.

 

[UKCowboys]

He won’t! No major d1 school will hire him. He’s a mid major coach! He’s a notch below Travis ford!

Ridiculous

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Yeah I do think he will stay just as connected as his teammates from 96 and other alumni. Perhaps--even though he's Mormon--people can grasp the fact that its not just in Utah and has nothing to do with coaching. There's almost a cultural element where being Mormon is just the icing on the cake for southern Christians.

Just for reference, I’m not religious at all. My point is and was, if he didn’t get another after this one, it’s not like he’s going to be some staple of the community or university. He never was before and won’t be after. He played here, but the “one of us” is significantly overdone. It was part of the PR brainwashing, and it worked.

 

[Resignmarkpope]

Okay, who are you offering the job to? Doesn't really matter, you're going to trash the guy as soon as he loses a game. That's what you do.

Sometimes you just can tell when someone is a complete Fraud. Mark pope is destroying Kentucky Basketball and people are defending it. Kentucky Hoosiers coach by mark pooped his paints pope. The guy has a sexy Jesus painting. What’s supposed to be sexy about Jesus? That’s Something the devil would do.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask what the plan is so we aren't in the same situation down the road. Yeah no poop we're not in charge of hiring or firing. What would be your plan if you're J Batt? Rank your replacements or something.

The plan if/when it becomes obvious Pope can’t get it done is to go out and hire what everyone would hope is someone would can get it done. You don’t keep a coach that can’t get it done just because you’re not sure if you can find a coach you think can get it done. Thats loser mentality 101. But the way the real world works is we all know Batt has a list of names already. I’m sure Oats is at or near the top of that list. I’d be shocked if Schertz wasn’t on it too. That’s all beside the point. The second it becomes clear to Batt that Pope can’t get it done, you move on. Why would you keep someone that’s obviously not capable?

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

LOL, you're blind as a bat, or purposely obtuse.

Tell me this, what is your definition of failure for a UK coach?

This should be good, especially since you know what's coming after you try to say FF is the standard. Go ahead, give it a shot.

Keep in mind, this isn’t the old SEC where only 2 or 3 teams made the tournament. But go ahead.

Old SEC or not, the standard remains. If other have changed and adapted, I expect UK to change and adapt too. What I don’t expect them to do is simply shrug their shoulders and say “boy this SEC sure is tougher now”. I expect them to be at or near the top of the league on a regular basis. I expect them in weekend of the SECT on a regular basis. I expect a top 4 seed in the NCAAT on a regular basis. And I expect in the years where it all comes together to be in the FF. Tubby and Cal had equity, but when they quit meeting that standard on a regular basis they were gone. Pope has no equity. He needs to get there quickly.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Against the 2 toughest SOS' in school history with 2 starting PG's that were either out for the season, or playing on a busted shoulder. Also with a hobbled pf (Carr), no backup pg (both seasons), without our starting sf (Robinson) and without your lottery pick center (JQ).

Fans like you are the worst. You obviously never played a single sport at any level. You’re not winning crap if your starting 5 is depleted, or playing hurt against the schedules those 2 teams played.

This isn’t a video game.

Other. Teams. Have. Injuries. Too. Nobody is 100% at seasons end, middle, or even in the beginning.

 

[davtay]

Other. Teams. Have. Injuries. Too. Nobody is 100% at seasons end, middle, or even in the beginning.

This is true. But none of the teams who were in the elite eight or better the last two years had the level of injuries that UK had. Or, they would not have been in the elite eight.

Not that hard to comprehend.

 

[Resignmarkpope]

Ridiculous

How? He’s hasn’t won a conference regular season or championship. He does have a lot of 10 plus loss seasons. Mark pope is a Vanderbilt/northwestern type coach! Is what is is….bad hire! Terrible hire! Horrible hire! It was definitely an emotional hire!

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

Old SEC or not, the standard remains. If other have changed and adapted, I expect UK to change and adapt too. What I don’t expect them to do is simply shrug their shoulders and say “boy this SEC sure is tougher now”. I expect them to be at or near the top of the league on a regular basis. I expect them in weekend of the SECT on a regular basis. I expect a top 4 seed in the NCAAT on a regular basis. And I expect in the years where it all comes together to be in the FF. Tubby and Cal had equity, but when they quit meeting that standard on a regular basis they were gone. Pope has no equity. He needs to get there quickly.

also.....the SEC isnt going back to what it was. other coaches have found a way to win in this SEC at a high level. pope just likely isnt built for it.

 

[UKCowboys]

How? He’s hasn’t won a conference regular season or championship. He does have a lot of 10 plus loss seasons. Mark pope is a Vanderbilt/northwestern type coach! Is what is is….bad hire! Terrible hire! Horrible hire! It was definitely an emotional hire!

Why is Travis at ALR if he is so great. Its obviously you are unhinged over the top about Pope, but don't pretend Ford is Bobby Knight

 

[FLBBNFAN]

I'm definitely calling bull if you are in any insinuating there was a good chance Hurley ends up here if Mitch had just tried harder.

I think the chance of Hurley ever coming here is/was almost zero . My point was the amount of effort by our former AD regarding Hurley was practically zero and just for show to keep the fanbase appeased.

For a high profile job like ours the job search was a joke. No way Pope is on a top 5 list to coach here or any other high profile job. It was a panic hire and not a serious search in my opinion. I don't blame Pope for taking the job and would rather see him have a great year this year versus falling on his face.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

This is true. But none of the teams who were in the elite eight or better the last two years had the level of injuries that UK had. Or, they would not have been in the elite eight.

Not that hard to comprehend.

Why is Travis at ALR if he is so great. Its obviously you are unhinged over the top about Pope, but don't pretend Ford is Bobby Knight

I don’t think there’s any question Ford is a better coach than Pope.

That’s not a high bar though.

Let Pope and Ford switch places and UK would be better and ALR would be worse.

 

[Resignmarkpope]

Why is Travis at ALR if he is so great. Its obviously you are unhinged over the top about Pope, but don't pretend Ford is Bobby Knight

Ok he’s a notch above Travis. He’s not that much freaking better if any. Travis has at least won conference regular seasons and conference tournament. To be honest, they’re both trash but they’re very comparable. Let me put it this way. Mark Pope is closer to Travis Ford than he is to coach cal!

 

[UKCowboys]

Ok he’s a notch above Travis. He’s not that much freaking better if any. Travis has at least won conference regular seasons and conference tournament. To be honest, they’re both trash but they’re very comparable. Let me put it this way. Mark Pope is closer to Travis Ford than he is to coach cal!

So now they are both trash SMH

 

[UKCowboys]

I don’t think there’s any question Ford is a better coach than Pope.

That’s not a high bar though.

Let Pope and Ford switch places and UK would be better and ALR would be worse.

IYO

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

His interactions in the media since being hired here. His comments in pressers. The posturing and excuse making. That’s what I mean.

Yes, I’ve met him. To say he doesn’t have the personality that a ton of successful coaches have would be an understatement. He’s nice, sure. But he’s also an odd dude. There’s zero debate about that.

If he comes off as odd to a fan like ourselves. Imagine how he comes across to 18 year old players who have never met him before being recruited. No wonder he has such issues getting players to commit. I’m sure the word has spread around now by unhappy players and those he has recruited in the past as well. That’s an issue for sure no matter what some on here think.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Schertz is a serious upgrade and you could have him in a 30 second phone call. It ain’t hard. Mitch was just a friggn doofus.

I think Schertz is a heck of a coach. I don’t know how he would recruit and handle the expectations though.

 

[Ash Williams]

He deserves a level of respect--outside of his coaching--that he's not currently getting. It's possible to hate him as a coach and have positive feelings otherwise. Not all the haters just the mouth breathers with lack of critical thinking skills saying fiaar poaaap

So you're telling people how to feel now? How presumptuous of you.

 

[Resignmarkpope]

So now they are both trash SMH

Never said ford was a good coach. Said he was better than pope! Ford is definitely a better coach than pooope. Look I don’t think pope is a good coach at all! I mean I honestly think he’s the worst coach that Kentucky basketball has ever had. Maybe the worst coach in program history across the board. I despise him as a coach. It’s either Mark Pope or Joker Phillips as the worst in program history Mark is a complete fraud.

 

[UKCowboys]

Never said ford was a good coach. Said he was better than pope! Ford is definitely a better coach than pooope

Damn Son, kick a puppy today?

 

[Catastic5]

I think the chance of Hurley ever coming here is/was almost zero . My point was the amount of effort by our former AD regarding Hurley was practically zero and just for show to keep the fanbase appeased.

For a high profile job like ours the job search was a joke. No way Pope is on a top 5 list to coach here or any other high profile job. It was a panic hire and not a serious search in my opinion. I don't blame Pope for taking the job and would rather see him have a great year this year versus falling on his face.

It wasn’t a panic hire, it was a religious hire. When his little bible buddy down at Baylor turned him down, his Mormon assistant AD convinced him to hire Pope. There aren’t any rumors or speculation that Mitch went beyond Drew, a stupid offer for Hurley which he would’ve never taken, and then Pope. That’s it. Out of dozens of qualified coaches, Mitch ignored them all; just like when he hired Billy G.

 

[MY_POPE]

He won’t! No major d1 school will hire him. He’s a mid major coach! He’s a notch below Travis ford!