Kentucky hires Mark Pope: Who’s in, out as Wildcats transition from Jon Calipari era in 2024-25

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Kentucky has tabbed BYU coach Mark Pope to succeed John Calipari, the school announced Friday. Pope, the former Kentucky star who played under Rick Pitino at Kentucky from 1994-96, is returning to Lexington after spending the last five seasons at BYU. Pope will replace Calipari, who spent the last 15 seasons with the Wildcats before taking the vacant job at Arkansas earlier this week.

Calipari officially parted ways with Kentucky earlier this week in a video posted to social media. Less than 24 hours later, he officially became the next coach at Arkansas. He replaces Eric Musselman, who departed for the vacant job at USC.

Calipari’s departure will impact Kentucky’s roster and incoming recruiting class. The Wildcats have the No. 2 class in the 2024 cycle by 247Sports, but it’s already taken a hit. Four-star forward Karter Knox announced his decommitment on Monday, and five-star center Jayden Quaintance and four-star center Somto Cyril requested a release from their National Letter of Intent days later.

Pope will have significant work to do upon his official arrival. Star freshmen Justin Edwards and Rob Dillingham declared for the NBA Draft, and key reserves Aaron Bradshaw and Adou Thiero entered the transfer portal. Under Calipari, Kentucky had the No. 2 recruiting class in the 2024 cycle. Four-star forward Billy Richmond, four-star guard Boogie Fland and four-star guard Travis Perry have yet to make their decision known.

CBS Sports is tracking the status of the Kentucky roster and recruiting class in real time. Here’s where every current UK player and commit currently stand. 

Kentucky underclassmen

Reed Sheppard

GP: 33 | GS: 5 | PPG: 12.5 | RPG: 4.1

Sheppard was named CBS Sports Freshman of the Year after putting up one of the most efficient stat lines in the country. Sheppard made only five starts in 33 games but had an impact whenever he stepped onto the court. Sheppard finished the…

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/kentucky-hires-mark-pope-whos-in-out-as-wildcats-transition-from-jon-calipari-era-in-2024-25/

Author : Cameron Salerno

Publish date : 2024-04-12 16:38:25

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