There are very few programs with comparable history to the Kentucky Wildcats. With that long history, Kentucky has also built up one of the strongest fanbases in all of college basketball, which head coach Mark Pope doesn’t want to overlook.
While speaking to Jon Rothstein, Mark Pope explained that it’s important for him and the team to honor that legacy at Kentucky. That starts by taking the time to appreciate what exists and is unique to the program.
“One of the things that we really try and encourage our players to do and our staff also,” Mark Pope said. “I’ll remind the staff all the time, is just like guys just take a look around for one second. Don’t miss this. That’s in the games at Rupp Arena. That’s when we’re on campus, in and out of the community interacting with fans. Nobody gets to do this.”Team Avatar
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Mark Pope emphasizes the importance of honoring Kentucky legacy: ‘Nobody gets to do this’
by:
Dan Morrison
•
05/04/25
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope watches the action during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope watches the action during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
There are very few programs with comparable history to the Kentucky Wildcats. With that long history, Kentucky has also built up one of the strongest fanbases in all of college basketball, which head coach Mark Pope doesn’t want to overlook.
While speaking to Jon Rothstein, Mark Pope explained that it’s important for him and the team to honor that legacy at Kentucky. That starts by taking the time to appreciate what exists and is unique to the program.
“One of the things that we really try and encourage our players to do and our staff also,” Mark Pope said. “I’ll remind the staff all the time, is just like guys just take a look around for one second. Don’t miss this. That’s in the games at Rupp Arena. That’s when we’re on campus, in and out of the community interacting with fans. Nobody gets to do this.”
While Pope wants everyone within the program to appreciate what makes Kentucky special, it’s particularly important for the young players. They need to both appreciate they’re at a unique program and feel the importance of what’s on their shoulders.
“I’ll never forget getting to watch Jasper Johnson walk out onto the court of Rupp Arena this year and the place going crazy. So excited about him coming,” Pope said. “Malachi Moreno who is going to be a game-changer here. Like, it is 24/7 madness here. It’s everything you can imagine. So, you do have to remind yourself to just take a look and take it in, and our fanbase helps us do that.”
