Mark Pope gives an update on how Kentucky could fill the 13th scholarship spot
Could the international route produce Kentucky’s final 2024-25 roster piece?
Head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, Mark Pope, spoke with the local media on Tuesday during a press conference about his team, as summer practices have begun.
Pope is unclear of what he will do with the 13th scholarship seat after losing out on Will Riley, who committed to Illinois on Sunday. He has previously stated that he intends to fill that position, but it will be difficult to find someone deserving of that scholarship as July approaches.
Pope acknowledged that there might be a chance to secure the last roster slot through the overseas route. Later on, he made a joke about how a member of the media might take the position, stating, “We are holding open media tryouts next week.”
While the John Calipari era didn’t end on a high note, Pope continues to express how grateful he was of Coach Cal, while also saying he has to be his own coach.
“He’s one of the best to ever do it,” Pope said of Calipari. “Went to four Final Fours in five years. You just have to coach you. I have to be me. I can’t be Tubby (Smith). I can’t be Coach P (Rick Pitino). I can’t be Cal. I love getting to coach me.”
Pope also discussed the pride he takes in recruiting for Kentucky now that he’s leading the program he won a national championship with as a player.
“It just feels different every time I get to enter a building with UK on my chest.” When I get to introduce myself to a prospect as Mark Pope, the head coach at Kentucky, it just flows from my heart,” Pope remarked.
Pope will undoubtedly exert all of his might to ensure that this program returns to winning at the greatest level.
One could argue that he comprehends the task.
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