Mark Pope is set to become the new head coach for Kentucky's men's basketball team, a move that has sparked a range of reactions across the sports community. Rick Pitino endorsed Pope as an 'unbelievable choice' for Kentucky, highlighting the debate around the hire. Critics and supporters alike note Pope's nearly a decade of coaching experience across three conferences, including the Big 12, and his understanding of modern college basketball. The decision, which comes after Kentucky parted ways with John Calipari, has led to comparisons with other potential hires such as Dan Hurley, Scott Drew, and Nate Oats. Pope, who dropped out of med school to pursue coaching, is a national title-winning alum at Kentucky in the 90s and is expected to bring a fun brand of basketball to the program. His expected appointment has been confirmed by multiple sources, including GoodmanHoops and presented by BetMGM.
I understand why Kentucky fans may not be enthused about the Mark Pope hire, but saying it’s because he hasn’t had enough tournament success at *BYU and Utah Valley* is so unserious. The whole point of taking a “better” job is that you have the support to do more.
Wow, Kentucky ran off John Calipari to hire Mark Pope away from BYU? I still don’t understand why you wouldn’t have hired Bruce Pearl. Or Rick Pitino. What a mess this all was.
So good https://t.co/8osoiTC9Pj
"Mark Pope is a smart, smart coach, that genuinely understands modern college basketball. I don't think THAT facet of this hire is something that should concern Kentucky fans" - @RobDauster LIVE reaction to Kentucky targeting Mark Pope ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/51Jo3A43w4
#USF fans may remember prospective new Kentucky coach Mark Pope from his 2019 trip to the @yuenglingcenter. His Utah Valley club fell to the Bulls 66-57 in second round of CBI.
"There's a bit of a Greg McDermott vibe here, to me. I think, strictly from a basketball standpoint, and offensively speaking, that Pope is going to be just fine" - @RobDauster Reaction to Kentucky targeting Mark Pope ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/51Jo3A43w4
Looks like @KentuckyMBB has a Pope. https://t.co/3MDEdQMKr7
Cal is calling hogs and a Pope is about to sit on his old throne. https://t.co/TNRVUzNGLf
Maybe Mitch needs to go too https://t.co/QUTZsyRqCb
Kentucky nearing deal with Mark Pope to replace John Calipari, per reports https://t.co/spqdHwJUtD
BREAKING: Kentucky set to hire Mark Pope as their next head coach per @GoodmanHoops | PRESENTED BY @BetMGM https://t.co/51Jo3A4BlC
With reports that Mark Pope will be Kentucky's new basketball coach, here's a column I wrote about Mark when he got his first head coaching job at Utah Valley. Dropped out of med school to go into coaching. #BBN #ukbasketball https://t.co/gVdLxfamUC
5 things to know about Mark Pope, the expected next coach for Kentucky men's basketball https://t.co/3tlwfHZLh7 https://t.co/YtHvT2dYRg
Have a feeling people are going to say Mark Pope is a boring hire or a low-ceiling hire. And I disagree. Established successful coach with nearly a decade of experience across three conferences, including the Big 12, AND an alumni from your program’s greatest team? High ceiling.
Mark Pope ➡️ Kentucky?? 👀 https://t.co/ed665C0WMe https://t.co/3APsKWvYjK
I like Mark Pope. BYU was super fun this year. But Kentucky going from one of Dan Hurley, Scott Drew, or Nate Oats to him is... something. https://t.co/5m71d38qS5
“Mark Pope?” Calipari: https://t.co/E4VaDAOq3p https://t.co/KIPQ7TPGVL
If Mark Pope is the next coach at Kentucky as these reports indicate I think it’s a great move. Mark is super smart and engaging, coaches an entertaining style, understands the job and won’t get caught up in the wrong stuff. All things considered this ended well for Kentucky.
Mark Pope is going to show the country what Utah basketball is all about. A fun fun brand of hoops with some awesome hoopers. He will care too! An alum that won a national title at UK in the 90s. I’m a fan of this hire.
Now on @njdotcom Rick Pitino says BYU’s Mark Pope would be ‘an unbelievable choice’ for Kentucky https://t.co/9daJUwvztv @KentuckyMBB @TMKSESPN
BYU's Mark Pope to Kentucky? If the gate opens, he's gone: https://t.co/MvhmR3FCV9