Kentucky basketball season begins Monday. Get ready for Mark Pope era with our coverage

LEXINGTON — In April, one chapter of Kentucky basketball history ended. And another began.

John Calipari, who led the Wildcats for 15 seasons, stepped down April 9. One day later, Arkansas announced Calipari as its new coach.

UK then took a page from its past to tab Calipari’s successor: Mark Pope, who spent three seasons in Lexington under former coach Rick Pitino and was a team captain of the 1995-96 national championship squad, was hired the same week as Calipari’s departure.

Pope whipped up a frenzy at his introductory news conference, with every seat at Rupp Arena accounted for by fans eager to see, and hear, their new coach. He kept up the excitement at Big Blue Madness, bringing back Pitino — to a standing ovation — as Kentucky honored the living members of its eight national title teams to cap the event. A week later, the team hosted the Blue-White Preseason Event at Memorial Coliseum.

After lopsided wins in its two preseason exhibitions (over Kentucky Wesleyan and Minnesota State Mankato, respectively), all that’s left for UK and Pope is to tip off the 2024-25 regular season.

That comes to pass at 7 p.m. Monday, when Kentucky hosts Wright State at Rupp Arena.

Until then, check out The Courier Journal’s coverage of the UK basketball program from the moment Pope took over through the final week of the 2024-25 preseason:

Kentucky basketball features

Coaching philosophy: Mark Pope, Kentucky basketball staff are ‘trying to live in that gray space’ of innovation

On the trail: Winning NCAA Tournament the focus for Mark Pope and staff in recruiting

Rick Pitino: Former Kentucky coach makes triumphant return at Big Blue Madness

Cody Fueger: Assistant coach has made a name for himself with offensive innovation

Equilibrium: Kentucky basketball additions under Mark Pope lauded for balance on offense, defense

‘There’s a lot to love’: Kentucky basketball roster under Mark Pope highlighted by depth

Rookie Kentucky coaches: How previous first-year UK basketball coaches have fared…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kentucky-basketball-season-begins-monday-091711595.html

Author : The Courier Journal

Publish date : 2024-10-30 09:17:00

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