This Explains Why Pope's Substitutions Were Bad Tonight

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
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Yeah. That killed us

We had only four guys that could be on floor

Oweh
Aberdeen
Chandler
Diaboute at times

Garrison
Jasper
Noah
Jelly
All garbage

Moreno was so so
This. There is NO substitution pattern that would work. Thats the only reason I defend Pope at all. People can pretend losing 3 kids shouldn't hurt us, but its not just the kids we lost, its the fact that we gave to play 3-4 kids who just arent very good
 
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May98

Redshirt
Nov 12, 2025
14
11
3
Yeah, Pope is clueless.

This explains why the sub patterns were garbage tonight like the beginning of the year.


I'm really struggling to understand it, especially since the substitution strategy not only hurts the teams performance but hurts recruiting. Playing the best players helps you win, and it helps you recruit the best players, which also helps you win.
 

yoshukai

Heisman
Dec 21, 2002
29,649
41,901
102
This isn’t a “learn on the job” position, thought he learned some things early in the season but evidently not.

please hire Peevy as AD and go get Bruce Pearl for next year, atleast he will coach on the sideline and not sit back with his arms crossed.
LMAO ! Peevey should NEVER be considered as our AD . He was just a conduit between Mitch and Cal . They’re wanting him fired at DePaul.

And I don’t want him anywhere NEAR our football program.

Get real!
 

Smeegs

All-Conference
Nov 19, 2025
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I increasingly fail to see why Noah should even be part of the substitution rotation. Supposedly he’s out there for his shooting, but he can never find open looks, and he can’t create his own shot.

If he can’t get shots off, then what is he giving us? There ain’t much reason to play a guy who can’t do the one thing he’s supposed to be good at.
 

Blue Jesus

Senior
Aug 24, 2013
392
551
93
There’s always a filler in between the great coaches. He followed a hall of famer and failed. The next one should be great according to history.
I believe the pattern with UK coaches is: Great, Good, Drunk. There are two possibilities here:

1) Cal was Great (until he wasn't)
2) Pope will be just Good
3) We have a Drunk on the horizon

or

1) Cal was Great
2) then Cal became just Good
3) Pope is Drunk on Diet Coke
4) we hire the next Great

Hoping for the latter
 
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WhatTypeOfBlood

Sophomore
Feb 17, 2026
117
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I believe the pattern with UK coaches is: Great, Good, Drunk. There are two possibilities here:

1) Cal was Great (until he wasn't)
2) Pope will be just Good
3) We have a Drunk on the horizon

or

1) Cal was Great
2) then Cal became just Good
3) Pope is Drunk on Diet Coke
4) we hire the next Great

Hoping for the latter
Sadly it’s a different AD calling the shots than when we had our first drunk then great. Hopefully the cycle continues tho.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
44,797
80,678
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I don’t really care about the “substitution patterns”. I do care that we aren’t really good.

Oweh, Chandler, DA all played over 32 minutes

Moreno 28 even though he stunk tonight too

the 4s all stink so who cares about subs there
The sub pattern totally killed the game. At this point those 3 should play 40 a game.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
44,797
80,678
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LMAO ! Peevey should NEVER be considered as our AD . He was just a conduit between Mitch and Cal . They’re wanting him fired at DePaul.

And I don’t want him anywhere NEAR our football program.

Get real!
I don’t want anyone associated with Kentucky under Mitch Barnhart ever. Go get a real AD from a real school athletic department.
 

TFCat11

Heisman
Mar 25, 2019
5,755
10,098
108
Seems like he’s afraid players might start to sweat if they play more than 4 minute stretches, and sweating is cruel and unusual punishment for Mr. Girl Dad.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
44,797
80,678
113
I seriously don't see all that much in Johnson. He isn't a great ballhandler, always is just looking to get a shot up no matter how he's covered (and not looking for teammates open) and plays absolutely horrible defense. What does he really bring to want to play him more minutes. Some on here think he should play more but I just don't see it.
We need his potential offense but he does everything else so badly it may be a net negative.
 

[email protected]

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2012
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Yikes! I know we started to win games but the way we won some of those comebacks games had red flags all over it. That is not sustainable and it’s only going to get worse.
 
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NoDef

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Sep 1, 2001
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The run they made was with Garrison and Johnson on the floor. The other three were starters.. They outscored us in the 2nd half with starters playing the significant minutes. We are just not very good.
 
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The run they made was with Garrison and Johnson on the floor. The other three were starters.. They outscored us in the 2nd half with starters playing the significant minutes. We are just not very good.

Soon as Jasper comes in hes gunning and usually missing. Dykes said Jasper averaged a shot every 70 seconds of play or something crazy.

He kills any offensive flow and cant guard.
 
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ZaytovenCat

All-American
Apr 25, 2013
23,883
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This isn’t a “learn on the job” position, thought he learned some things early in the season but evidently not.

please hire Peevy as AD and go get Bruce Pearl for next year, atleast he will coach on the sideline and not sit back with his arms crossed.
lol Peevy? Might as well let Mitch keep his job. Peevy has been horrible at DePaul. Keep him away from UK.
 

wccat

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Apr 8, 2009
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Suddenly, Oweh has a lot of trouble…dribbling….and bouncing a ball in front of him…

pretty constantly.
I have always said Oweh doesn't have a great handle. He just can't seem to dribble very well. Now can he penetrate and get to the rim, yes. But definitely needs to work on his dribbling and finishing at the rim.
 
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Vek96

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Jul 4, 2025
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Having Moreno and Garrison playing together in crunch time, should get you fired.

Garrison should never be in the game unless it’s a blowout.
 
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kfwa

Senior
Oct 12, 2014
409
754
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Pope is in a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation with this team.

Oweh can play great but every other game at some point he is throwing his arms up in exasperation or rolling his eyes in frustration, Garrison gets mad and wants to fight if his shoes come untied, Johnson comes into the game and thinks he is trying out for an And1 mixtape.

I'll give credit to Aberdeen and M.D., they have at least calmed down and are playing the game.

Chandler is the only guy who is emotionally into the game from start to finish but he isn't a carry the team kinda guy

So Pope could be commended for getting on a win streak with this collection, but at the same time Pope is responsible for putting together this collection, and like last night, its going to keep biting him in the ***.


I think Pope should get another year, but he's moved into come to Jesus territory about how he runs this program. From recruiting to in game coaching, there needs to be an overhauld and I strongly believe he needs to bring in new staff, and hire someone - a million dollar a year guy to run the NIL program and evaluate talent.

If he doesn't do that then next year at best isn't going to be better than his first year, which was fine but that can't be the ceiling, or at worst UK continues to have radically inconsistent games where Pope struggles to figure out who showed up to play.

But here is the thing, its not just Pope - if you look around, it isn't to the degree that Pope is dealing with it, but there is no shortage of unmotivated and inconsistent players who cannot seem to play to their potential game after game.
 

UKBB4Ever

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Jul 3, 2025
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Our problem is the talent level it's two levels too low
We were better at almost every position against UGA. And a deeper bench. And we were at home.

The only talent levels low is in the coaching.

We have 3 MD AA’s and the preseason SEC POY. We have a player that was a big piece of last year’s NC team. Another that has a big piece of an FF team last season.

UGA has one guy like that.
 

Doc4UK!

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We need his potential offense but he does everything else so badly it may be a net negative.

We need his potential offense but he does everything else so badly it may be a net negative.
I cringe when he gets in the game. His +/- must be as bad as Garrison. But the larger problem is we are now a three man team on the offensive end. And when one of them is out we are a two man team . As has been stated we have no one at the FOUR and limited offense at the FIVE
 

TTTblue24

All-Conference
Feb 1, 2004
3,833
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LMAO ! Peevey should NEVER be considered as our AD . He was just a conduit between Mitch and Cal . They’re wanting him fired at DePaul.

And I don’t want him anywhere NEAR our football program.

Get real!
Bub, it’s my opinion and if you don’t like you can “get real” and feel how you want. It’s a message board and just because I don’t agree with someone doesn’t mean I’m right and they’re wrong. Grow up some and we can have an adult conversation.
 

K_TIME

Heisman
Jan 2, 2003
18,372
25,645
113
This. There is NO substitution pattern that would work. Thats the only reason I defend Pope at all. People can pretend losing 3 kids shouldn't hurt us, but its not just the kids we lost, its the fact that we gave to play 3-4 kids who just arent very good
Well hold on a second....

1. I agree we had a no show from half the roster...but losing to UGA at home ain't about Lowe/Kam/Quantenance....Sure they'd help...especially Kam playing and taking all the minutes from Jelly/Noah.
2. But there is no excuse for why Jasper is solid for a game and then no show for the next few...he's 3/4 thru his first year...UGA played an open floor defense...he had eons of room to drive it and make plays....he can guard their athletic guards...he was pretty awful again.
3. Why Pope subbed out the starters in first half up nine...and then proceeded to crap the bed and down at half...pure coaching. You have to leave 2 of 3 between Aberdeen, Oweh and Chandler on floor at all times.
4. Why Garrison plays as much as he does is nonsense. Even when Moreno needs a blow...I get it. But play small with Diaboute at the 5.....you get about the same rim protection, better rebounder, better on floor defense, way better energy, etc.... BUt Pope demands to play a C at all times to his own demise.

I agree there are talent issues and the injury issues are what they are....but this season is mostly on Pope being a middling bball coach is the main issue to me.
 
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UKCowboys

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Oct 14, 2019
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Well hold on a second....

1. I agree we had a no show from half the roster...but losing to UGA at home ain't about Lowe/Kam/Quantenance....Sure they'd help...especially Kam playing and taking all the minutes from Jelly/Noah.
2. But there is no excuse for why Jasper is solid for a game and then no show for the next few...he's 3/4 thru his first year...UGA played an open floor defense...he had eons of room to drive it and make plays....he can guard their athletic guards...he was pretty awful again.
3. Why Pope subbed out the starters in first half up nine...and then proceeded to crap the bed and down at half...pure coaching. You have to leave 2 of 3 between Aberdeen, Oweh and Chandler on floor at all times.
4. Why Garrison plays as much as he does is nonsense. Even when Moreno needs a blow...I get it. But play small with Diaboute at the 5.....you get about the same rim protection, better rebounder, better on floor defense, way better energy, etc.... BUt Pope demands to play a C at all times to his own demise.

I agree there are talent issues and the injury issues are what they are....but this season is mostly on Pope being a middling bball coach is the main issue to me.
I am not giving Pope a pass for last night. That was a brutal loss that shouldn't happen. But if you are not a UK fan or a UGA fan and watched that game objectively, I bet it looked like Georgia had more talent, especially with Wilkinson back
 

K_TIME

Heisman
Jan 2, 2003
18,372
25,645
113
I am not giving Pope a pass for last night. That was a brutal loss that shouldn't happen. But if you are not a UK fan or a UGA fan and watched that game objectively, I bet it looked like Georgia had more talent, especially with Wilkinson back
No...that isn't what I saw at all

Wilkerson/Blue Cain (ugh)/Millender vs. Aberdeen/Oweh and Chandler at the guards/wings....UK has better talent.

Geez...all of those guys are like 6'1/5'11...Blue Cain is 6'5 but has the athleticism of Trent Noah....and yet every switch we couldn't lob over them to our bigs and score? Why are our players giving that much room to Wilkerson/Millender to let him launch good looks from 3pt land? They are tiny guards....press them and funnel them to the lane. But as Pope teams do thru a season....we dont' have any focus on 3pt shooters and when they get rolling...we get behind and then remember to pay attention to the 3pt line.

This coach has no ability to focus his team defensively over a full season.
 
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UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
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No...that isn't what I saw at all

Wilkerson/Blue Cain (ugh)/Millender vs. Aberdeen/Oweh and Chandler at the guards/wings....UK has better talent.

Geez...all of those guys are like 6'1/5'11...Blue Cain is 6'5 but has the athleticism of Trent Noah....and yet every switch we couldn't lob over them to our bigs and score? Why are our players giving that much room to Wilkerson/Millender to let him launch good looks from 3pt land? They are tiny guards....press them and funnel them to the lane. But as Pope teams do thru a season....we dont' have any focus on 3pt shooters and when they get rolling...we get behind and then remember to pay attention to the 3pt line.

This coach has no ability to focus his team defensively over a full season.
I noticed you named the only 3 guys on our team that showed up and skipped right over the front lines lol. But you do you
 

yoshukai

Heisman
Dec 21, 2002
29,649
41,901
102
Bub, it’s my opinion and if you don’t like you can “get real” and feel how you want. It’s a message board and just because I don’t agree with someone doesn’t mean I’m right and they’re wrong. Grow up some and we can have an adult conversation.
Yeah I don’t usually respond like that unless someone says something RIDICULOUS!

And pull your panties out of your crotch .
 
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kyjeff1

Heisman
Sep 8, 2012
50,486
70,688
113
This. There is NO substitution pattern that would work. Thats the only reason I defend Pope at all. People can pretend losing 3 kids shouldn't hurt us, but its not just the kids we lost, its the fact that we gave to play 3-4 kids who just arent very good
I get what you're saying, but there are too many times where he pulls the hot hand and there are way too many times when 3, or more of our best players are on the bench and we see weird combinations of Noah, BG, AJ, JJ and Mo D in the game at the same time. You just can't do that, especially when the other team is playing as hard as UGA was last night.
I keep hoping MP is going to learn his lesson, but he refuses to change. It’s been happening since his BYU days and these holes we keep digging, are happening, because he keeps subbing players in and out. He should be smarter than this.
 
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