Live Now: Coach Pope Introductory Press Conference presented by UKHealthCare

[@davidfrey5654]

from a BYU alum...Pope's rise in the coaching ranks is truly astonishing. I wish him nothing but the best and you've just gained another Wildcat fan. I'll be cheering right along side ya'll. Go Coach Pope and go Kentucky Wildcats!

[@shelbyesters5732]

Being at rupp today was a experience i wont ever forget. Welcome home coach!

[@loriesters7960]

❤

[@ripwatts373]

L's up!!!

[@panteracfh2198]

What was Louisvilles record the last 2 yrs and over all against UK again?? ​@@ripwatts373

[@BigBlueGr8ness]

GO BIG BLUE!!! We are the king's of college basketball 🔵⚪️🏀☝️😼

[@js1642]

The spirit of Cawood Ledford is back. You can feel the energy changing. It's not about the NBA. It's about UK.

[@UKCAT5FAN]

I took my son down from NKY and it was AMAZING!! An experience that we will never forget. Welcome Home Coach!!!

[@cherylfarmer6086]

WOW! That was the most amazing performance of any coach I've seen, Mark Pope absolutely killed it. I'm a UK fan and I'm pumped! GO CATS!!!

[@cameronpatterson3999]

Not gonna lie....Dude had tears streaming down my face from the time he got off the bus and hosted the "96 plaque. I hope he has unprecedented success!!!!!!!!!!

[@blublood22]

Me 2 😂

[@TheHargrovebr]

I got misty when they pulled the bus in.

[@JWCFB]

Dude ya’ll need help.

[@stephenandluisa]

I hope he is the answer to your prayers! And thank you guys for your generosity to gift Calipari to us….

[@B-Eazy999]

@@JWCFBlmao be nice they were the ones calling the restaurant where Scott Drew was eating and tracking Joe Crafts jet around during the coaching search , they are truly special

[@NancyLittrell-sw6tk]

UK knows how to have a pep rally! BBN will support Pope.

[@MrRrusiii]

No matter what the future brings, I will always carry this moment in my heart. I live ten minutes from Rupp and go to most home games and was ready to get there early that day, but came down with covid the day of and stayed home. But looking at the pictures online of the crowd, seeing the videos, and watching it with my parents, I wasn't surprised that Kentuckians rallied to show our love for the Cats, even after a miserable few weeks, but I was surprised by Pope. I had never been more dejected than in that few weeks between the Oakland loss, Cal's absence and eventual radio appearance, the TV sham with Barnhart and then out of nowhere seeing him in red. Those few weeks felt like months. I was just starting the third grade when Cal got here, and now I'm graduating from UK. To go from that surreal, miserable stretch in limbo without a coach to where we are today has all been due to this guy's heart and his hustle. Love our coach.

[@tystarnes]

I agree was time for a change as former player that 96 final 4 with UMass. 3 our coaches that game Patino, Calipari opposite teams now Pope a former ky player. No doubt a change was needed. Wishing Pope nothing but the best.

[@shalom8858]

Couches in Lexington are on high alert. 🔥🔥

[@johnclevesjr6869]

#savethecouches!🛋🔥

[@thetip.offpodcast]

UT fan here. Dude gets it. I've told my Vol fans here stop laughing at this hire as we have a big hire coming in next couple of years. It's not always the big name. I think you all nailed it. Looking forward to those UK UT games next season.

[@tystarnes]

Grats on your season as well. Elite 8 a good season. I think Tenn would have given Uconn a better game honestly.

[@thetip.offpodcast]

@tystarnes appreciate man. We were so close. Can't seem to best Purdue. Our other best chance with Grant Williams and Admirals team they beat us in a close one too. Smh. I agree. I our guards would have challenged them a little more but man Uconn is soo good. Their offense is a well oiled machine.

[@tystarnes]

@@thetip.offpodcast I agree. Don't worry as UK fan been more frustrating against the UConn Purdue machines at least Tennessee has had the better teams of late. As UK fan I admit that and I appreciate Cal early years 2012-2015 brought a title all those final 4s etc. But despite the COVID year Cal has fallen really bad he can do those exits Arkansas or etc but yea Kentucky wasn't going put up.with that forever even tho they wouldn't going fire him the 33$ million buyout I understand that. I'm assuming that lifetime contract was after 2012 or when Cal got offered the UCLA coaching job.

[@MrRrusiii]

Thanks man. We've had some thriller games lately but I'm hoping this season we get to play yall in Nashville

[@rs4028]

For Everybody else in college basketball. THAT’s what a press conference looks like!

[@mikerose5226]

I'm crying just watching this! I've bled blue for almost 60-years and the last several years have been so depressing and made me very sad. Well today is a new beginning, it's time to get back to the glory of Kentucky Basketball! I know Cawood is looking down on us with a big smile on his face!

[@ejyounggun08]

Thanks to my Dad and the '96 Championship team I've been a massive Kentucky fan for most of my life but to hear my Dad say he's excited about the basketball program again nearly brought me to tears. I'll forever be grateful to Calipari but Pope is the piece Kentucky has missed for several years now. The timing was perfect.

[@roycepettus7512]

Two wonderful statements coach Pope constantly used "We don't do that here" and " that's the Job, that's the assignment" Folks those are real fighting phrases...this coach is about kicking real ass. He's really wants to win EVERY GAME! HERE WE GO WILDCATS!!

[@zackclark2265]

I really absolutely hope he really proves to all the doubters wrong.

[@nickperkins8477]

Mark’s time at UK is the end of the beginning of my fan status. I became a fan of the team during 1992, and Mark Pope’s 1996 team brought the program into brilliance from the 1992 low. I am very excited to see what he does as UK head coach. It’s so fantastic to have him back!!

[@jordansutton1511]

I’ve never been more excited to be a UK fan. Welcome Home Coach Pope!

[@shalom8858]

Nice to have a COLLEGE basketball coach again.

[@GoatedAtNFS]

been a while

[@zackclark2265]

I'm so beyond excited how this all goes. I just hope he can get a team ready before the season.

[@B-Eazy999]

Actually it’s been about 5 days since u had one with a tournament win calm down

[@rollin92gt]

Well, he definitely said all the right things. GO BIG BLUE!!

[@sunshinegirlshop2311]

As a BYU fan, I think I speak for a lot of Cougar Nation saying how lucky we feel you are to have Coach Pope and how sad we are to see him go. The only thing we had to give us hope after the highly disappointing loss to Duquesne was the opportunity we saw in next season. We were really looking forward to the growth BYU could experience in the next few years with the leadership of Coach Pope. Sad time for the Cougars indeed.

[@TurdSlinger]

As a UK fan. I'm sorry pope got the call. Your team will find another pope I'm sure of it. Good luck. Will root for yall as well.

[@sunshinegirlshop2311]

@@TurdSlingerI know a lot of UK fans were not happy with this choice, but I think BYU fans might be even more upset-if that’s possible. 😉 I believe Pope is extremely hungry and desperately wants to prove himself at Kentucky. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. He will give it his all-and it might be just what Kentucky needs to get that next National championship.

[@nawnaw1749]

As a BYU fan, I’m glad he’s gone. He didn’t win anything of importance and won’t at Kentucky.

[@TurdSlinger]

@@sunshinegirlshop2311 I was definitely unhappy until I realized who he was. He played for UK, he won a championship at UK in 96. So he definitely bleeds blue. I still think we could of gotten a more skilled coach. But with his system and the kentucky name behind him. He will get way better players just because it's kentucky basketball.

[@TurdSlinger]

@@nawnaw1749 we will see.

[@gregoryg9500]

What a breath of fresh air for Kentucky basketball to have excitement again! Calipari's constant disappointments have wore our fan base down.

[@randystalker4093]

What a dream come true. He's one of us

[@oldgamerrocks5801]

He got my vote and my excitement is back!!!! It may be rough at the start but in the end we will be the team again!!!

[@tidefanman1]

Don't know much about this guy, TBH, but dude absolutely killed the presser!!! Best of luck, and that's coming from a Tide fan

[@allanh6667]

Haters can't dampen the enthusiasm of anyone in BBN lol.... It was good to see Derek, Jeff, Tony, Richie and all the other former players show up for support. Mark Pope will work his ass off to deliver the expectations he has laid out. I'm excited about the upcoming season!

[@TheHargrovebr]

@@hilljack6765think he’s been out for a bit; I saw him at a game a couple years ago.

[@allanh6667]

I don't care if they skyped him from prison. Farmer made mistakes post basketball but I watched him and his brother Russ play at the state tournament and loved ever moment he wore the Kentucky jersey.

[@B-Eazy999]

@@hilljack6765spades

[@8765Patricia]

One of my favorite memories was Richie Farmer and Pitino talking out on the court and comparing Boston and eastern Kentucky accents. So much fun. I was smiling and laughing like I am tonight. ‘65 graduate with Adolph at Memorial Coliseum 😁💙

[@jasonstockdale328]

@@allanh6667farmer was a high school legend. One of the best ever

[@johnclevesjr6869]

And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is HOW YOU WIN AN INTRODUCTORY PRESS CONFERENCE!

[@stevecovey4873]

Same here with the tears…it felt good ushering this change in for our KY WILDCATS!!!

[@travis_am2582]

Awesome stuff. Congrats Mark.

[@calebshort2169]

I don’t know what brick wall he needs me to run thru but point me in its direction. I’m all in.

[@48sportszone]

Good Luck Coach #gocats

[@B-Eazy999]

Lmao😂

[@johnclevesjr6869]

same here, @calebshort2169!

[@Dave-zl2ky]

Great show buy most importantly a great coach.

[@stevepeanutbutter6854]

That is no question the best press y from the best team in the NATION! Go Big Blue 💙

[@FrogBoatFishing]

This season is gonna be lit. What a time to become a student at 39…

[@B-Eazy999]

Ikr rumor is him and Mitch already purchased tickets to church camp in early March and welcomes everybody to come on out to see them and buy a few UK tee shirts and hats while ur there

[@gkniffen]

I think the program is in good hands. 😎🔥

[@predictorbibulous3327]

Congrats Kentucky, I don't know anything about the guy's coaching but he definitely fits like a glove at Kentucky. You can tell he wants this bad.

[@dianecole7141]

Welcome coach to your family so proud to have you all

[@tacratt6091]

Mark may not succeed, but it won’t be because he doesn’t love Kentucky and wants what is best for the University and fan base! I am very excited for the next chapter in the history of Kentucky basketball! I believe he will do well! The BBN made him proud today! I doubt there’s ever been a crowd like that in the history of college basketball for a press conference! Go big Blue!

[@SSingh-ok6dn]

Yes, Michigan fan here. I'ts nice for introductory press conferences but does not translate into success in college hoops...exhibit A Juwan Howard. He actually cried for half of his presser a couple years ago!

[@partin25]

That was electric!!!! I’m fired up. He referenced pretty much every grievance we had with Calipari. 1. Losing SEC tournaments 2. Calling us Basketball Bennys 3. Putting players ahead of UK 4. Generally just not caring about winning lol I’m jacked to the tits to see what he can do.

[@jeffsmith7221]

so glad to be thru with Cal. Welcome home Mark!

[@ebhsports6251]

A lot of people feel the same way.

[@jordanwitcher7450]

Hey Arkansas and all of college basketball!! That’s how you welcome a coach!! Don’t ever forget who runs this shit.

[@cambmw93]

UConn

[@CR420.]

@@cambmw93Natty Count? Kentuckys your daddy

[@aviatinggamer9051]

@@cambmw93😂 that’s why there’s a UConn fan stalking a Kentucky video huh? I wonder how many Kentucky fans were commenting on videos of UConn hiring Hurley… I’m thinking zero…

[@cambmw93]

@@CR420. a whole lot more than y'all since anyone actually watched basketball lol.

[@chadaaserude3511]

Still bringing up your ex? Time to move on...

[@cdun6969]

I’ve seen tons of comments people saying Kentucky is doomed or washed, but selling out rupp for a press conference should say different to all those doubters

[@pressmaster1255]

I hope Reed comes back

[@walkinphoenix45]

Me too. But i don’t think he is though. There was a moment during the introduction between Pope and Jeff after Mark said the name “Sheppards”. When the camera zoomed in on Jeff, you could see him saying “That wasn’t good.”

[@TurdFerguson.]

@@walkinphoenix45good thing Jeff won’t be the one making the decision 😂

[@jasonallen3246]

He is gonna be great. I’m a cards fan but I like uk’s new coach. True wildcat !!

[@B-Eazy999]

I bet u do and I don’t blame u if I was a Louisville ,Kansas ,Duke or an outside SEC team fan I’d absolutely love the hire also

[@peteyvx]

It was amazing being in there with BBN filling every seat. Pumped for Kentucky Basketball in April!!! Go cats!

[@Psd6One5]

This is a hell of a press conference 🔥 Can’t do nothing but wish him the best

[@Nobody-n2m]

IM A POPE ADDICT!

[@camerongrtryeen7182]

Not gone lie, this was a nice entrance!!!😂

[@jadcock1023]

Honestly I was unsure of this hire but with all the support he's getting from everyone if he can do it and all the support will see what he can do give him a shot has a good chance

[@Gocats1970]

Welcome back Captain....BBN

[@kylecallis77]

I would run through a brick wall for Pope right now....I'm juiced.He has already brung me back to a time that I had forgot I got numb to Kentucky basketball watched numbly we lost in a tournament I use to not sleep when I cared...I lost that with John I lost it that passion..... it's finally back!

[@kevinhensley4643]

Thank you!!

[@bubbawatson1852]

Arkansas had 500 show up for cal, I told my cat, kitty that's how u know who Kentucky fans are. The greatest fan base in world. Man pope, gonna make it so much better. Joe.b up there smiling high fiving. Bill keightly.

[@arthaliontir14]

Was it even that many? I thought under 200

[@johnclevesjr6869]

Mike Pratt and Cawood as well!

[@mr.triangles]

I'll run through hell and back for this man.

[@johnclevesjr6869]

in a "gasoline suit" a la Pete Rose?🤔🤣

[@davehill]

TBH, when I first saw that Mark Pope was our new coach, I immediately thought "Oh no. I hope this isn't our Kenny Payne moment." But now, I'm all in! This may be what BBN needed. I know he's got the passion, I just hope he's successful LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@mikehawk9902]

I am a Louisville fan, but I will say Kentucky made the right hire. Mark Pope checks all the boxes for what you should want in a coach. He has a very high basketball IQ and is a great strategist. If you look at Mark Pope's resume, then you will see progressive improvement throughout. This past year was his first year in the Big 12, and he finished in the top half of the conference and had some impressive wins. This tells me Mark Pope will do well in the SEC. Honestly, I think the SEC is a tougher league than the Big 12 overall.

[@TheRealSpenco]

and no tourney wins. This is a bad hire for us. Everyone is just coping

[@GoatedAtNFS]

@@TheRealSpencotbf, Hubert Davis had 0 tourney wins too

[@kimmie-kat]

I’m wishing Louisvilles new coach the best also.

[@mikehawk9902]

@@TheRealSpenco I am not sure how much weight that should carry, because he has spent most of his career coaching in non-power conferences. Meaning, even if he had won his conference tournament, he would be going in as a lower seed. He went in as a 6 seed this year and lost to an 11 seed, but that should not be concerning. Usually 6 vs. 11 games can go either way. Not to mention, Duquesne was under seeded.

[@mikehawk9902]

@@kimmie-kat I really think both Louisville and Kentucky made great hires. I really think the rivalry will be better than it has been in a long time. I really thought Louisville was going to look at Mark Pope, but I think they decided not to, because he stated very clearly he wanted to coach at Kentucky.

[@WendellBurkhart-g9v]

I have never felt so much true raw emotions for none of the other coaches that's been at UK . And I don't only think Mark is going to be at UK for a long time...im predicting he retires at UK . And people this is the difference in coaches that kinda cares about winning verses Been a winner ever since he first set foot on UK turf . And he's just All around a good man and has a very beautiful family and he's the first person I've ever heard say that he understands the system and knows how it works and he does because he was there when him and the other ones carried that big Beautiful National Title right through Rupp Arena. I know what's coming and everyone should be very very happy that UK hired him and im gonna be one to admit a bad mistake and when I kept seeing and hearing that he was going to be our next coach I shook my head and said this has to be a joke and I said that because I haven't watched a Kentucky Ballgame in about 10 years or so. I just stayed upset and my health means more than a ball game and dying with a stroke or heart attack and it was bound to happen if I hadn't quit watching them. And even then I was already on 4 different Blood pressure pills and I finally just quit watching them especially after it was pretty obvious that Coach Cal was more of a NBA scout and recruiter than a coach . So now I just take 1 BP pill and im ready to Go Cats ❤

[@TrillaDilla410]

The assignment is to win final fours in March! Champions in April.

[@doctorfeelok8575]

He needs to get more former UK players/teammates on board to succeed. And get as many in-state talent as possible ; Reed IS NOT a fluke.

[@tj3742]

Isn't a ton of talent in Kentucky high school basketball not D1 talent anyways

[@kalacia4568]

@@tj3742considering how much better reed performed compared to everyone ranked way higher than him, its worth a shot to recruit more in state talent

[@B-Eazy999]

@@tj3742u are exactly right Reed is the highest recruit in 25 yrs

[@tj3742]

@@B-Eazy999 rondo

[@johnclevesjr6869]

Now THAT'S HOW you make an entrance!

[@SpanishTutor]

With Pope we can hope again!! GO CATS!!!!!

[@TrillaDilla410]

The resume starts this season! I don't care about the past, I wanna know the future that should have nothing but Ws in it. That Kentucky you wear across your chest means more than what it says.

[@johnclevesjr6869]

To paraphrase the title of a song by .38 Special, Mark Pope is "Back Where He Belongs"! #GOBIGBLUE!

[@christianfernandez3068]

Pat Kelsey and Mark Pope definitely will bring the energy and offense in this rivalry. I’m a Louisville fan, but I definitely like Mark Pope better than Cal, and this will be a GREAT rivalry game this season

[@B-Eazy999]

I bet u do I would too as a Louisville fan , PK was a great hire btw

[@johnclevesjr6869]

In Rupp, mind you!

[@johndean2110]

Go Big Blue!!! 💙

[@thegroovygoldhunter1728]

holy shit that was insane...

[@TrillaDilla410]

The assignment is to win final fours in March! Champions in April. We we're up seven when Pope got fouled lol. He's gonna do fine in Lexington

[@jeddybarn]

Great start!

[@alldaygood1]

Section 212! Best experience I’ve had in all my times at Rupp Arena

[@johnclevesjr6869]

Anyone else notice that he skipped over the '98 championship team, when he listed the title-winning Wildcats teams?🤔🤷‍♂️

[@charlesgerlach7059]

amazing, the start of a new Era, The arm chair coaches are in trouble, they need to go back to rooting for Louisville. Get ready for a team that will play outstanding offense and outstanding defense and not worry about 1 and done

[@CarlPerry-k7h]

Coach Pope you'll be just fine

[@mikehawk9902]

I am a Louisville fan, and I have a few questions for Kentucky fans. Would you rather hire Scott Drew for A LOT more money and run the risk of him not going to a Final Four and/or winning an NCAA championship while at Kentucky? It's very likely that Scott Drew has already hit the peak of his coaching career. Danny Hurley? Same question. It could be the case that Danny Hurley continues to be a huge success at UCONN, but do you think that necessarily means he would come to Kentucky and be successful? What if you had hired Danny Hurley for even more money than you would have paid Scott Drew, and he had already hit his peak? I would much rather pay a coach like Mark Pope less money and catch him on the rise, because his resume seems to indicate that he is on the rise. The same could be said for Louisville's hire of PK. Louisville should have NEVER been looking at Scott Drew and Dusty May.

[@garylawson1440]

I was so scared we were going to hire one of those guys. I did not want either of them here. This was the guy I wanted. I want him here because he wants to be here.

[@B-Eazy999]

We paid Mark the same as we would have had to be pay Drew , he’s the 5th highest paid coach in college with a 5 yr deal no money saved

[@Paducahrus]

60,200 views? My wife thinks I've watched it that many times already. Thank you for doing this! Who's the guy beside Prickett (that was him, right)? Tall dude.

[@johnclevesjr6869]

It's not 60.2K views, it's 60.2K subscribers to the UK Sports Video KZbin channel.

[@Paducahrus]

@@johnclevesjr6869 Yes, I can read. It's now 106k views.

[@jgreen678]

Ngl I teared up a few times 😅

[@tonyking4774]

I see a bunch of good talent with the 96 team that could help with this coaching staff, I’m looking at you Shepherd, Feldhouse and others.

[@SeanBrown-wh5hy]

Whenever he said “we get to be Sheppards” and the camera panned on Jeff you could see him say “that wasn’t good”… I think that says a lot about if Reed will be back next year

[@daproyaknow7056]

​@@ConnieFigueroa-v1gReed a top 5 pick...HE GONE!!!!

[@SeanBrown-wh5hy]

@@ConnieFigueroa-v1g I think Jeff already knows Reed is leaving and that’s why he said it

[@TheRealSpenco]

@@ammocan2796 he'll make that at Arkansas unfortunately.

[@justinhogue510]

Thank pick his assistant coach Jeff just not 100 percent on board with it yet

[@walkinphoenix45]

Yeah I saw that too. Reed is gone. To some, money means more than anything else.

[@askolivejamesblog815]

Man @espn need to air this #espn

[@darealmvp2437]

Let's get #9

[@scottvanhoose540]

BYU will miss you

[@Ghostdeath48]

This is what Midnight Madness should return to!!!

[@johnclevesjr6869]

My only regret is that I had to work! Otherwise, I would've been in Lexington if not in The House That Rupp Built!

[@donniebowers9263]

He is him

[@SlyFox4569]

4:20 ❤

[@Fattmattt]

Wish I seen rondo and wall get off that bus to

[@terriingram6622]

And Boogie

[@TurdFerguson.]

@@terriingram6622Boogie is already badmouthing UK and saying that we won’t get as much TV exposure as Arkansas now 😂 still love him tho

[@terriingram6622]

@@TurdFerguson. truthfully, that sounds like something he would say. But I still love his passion 💙

[@user-sg3zn6qw2b]

Mark The Pope

[@monicarsommersell5788]

Welcome home

[@doctorfeelok8575]

Alan Cutler is looking more and more like Jerry Garcia every year.

[@EdCatlett]

yea and Jerry has been dead for years

[@bshayc79]

Man.. i really figured there would be enough people there to prob fill up the bottom. That turnout is amazing

[@DarnellWilliams-p5m]

Aint gonna lie was disappointed when news broke that pope was getting job...I wanted the big name...however after this press conference he makes me want to run though a brick wall .....Go Big Blue

[@Deadman420_1]

It feels great to be excited about Kentucky basketball again!

[@a.fee-oh1328]

Hard to believe this was 6 months ago.

[@50Deuce502]

Looked like a Blue Trump Rally in there lol

[@tacratt6091]

😂👏🫶

[@MichaelWalden-u3l]

LFG!!!!!!!!

[@thomasabner9134]

I hope and pray he doesn't bend the knee, I'm now a BBN Basketball fan again. Now if we can get rid of that Stooped over knee bending Stoops, that would be even better.

[@Wikdclwn4]

should have put #41 on the jersey....

[@chrisbowling3097]

Is that Alan Cutler 46:06?

[@jasonstockdale328]

🔵⚪️

[@EdCatlett]

I wonder if Calipari's ego will ever let him admit he could have been adored like this until retirement if he had just done his job instead of his stupid 5 stars first strategy. And yea I said it that way because it was never players first. Anybody under a 5 star had to just deal with disappointment.

[@tystarnes]

If NBA draft picks were banners at Rupp arena we'd been set for life Cal lol.

[@panteracfh2198]

Was that obrzut?

[@nicholasruber1174]

yes

[@B-Eazy999]

They wish

[@andychinn7674]

Why is there not any sound??

[@bshayc79]

Starts at 26:51

[@FrogBoatFishing]

Coach broke out the denim jersey

[@TurdFerguson.]

I still have a replica in my closet