The Mark Pope era is officially - and magnificently - launched.
The Kentucky coach introduced his squad to the Bluegrass during Big Blue Madness on Friday night at Rupp Arena. A former player who helped lead the Wildcats to a national championship in 1996, Pope was the main attraction during the annual preseason event to kick off the season.
As he was introduced, Pope flashed his jersey and made his way down from section 224 to the court to a roaring applause.
“There’s no place like Kentucky, baby,” he said. “There’s no fan base like BBN, nothing like it in the world. What I'm excited about tonight is this is the first time we can all be together with BBN in this hallowed (arena). I’m excited to introduce you to this team that will fight every single day and every single night for every one of you.”
Pope’s coach, Rick Pitino, who led the Wildcats to a national championship in 1996, made an appearance as players from various decades carried the team’s eight national championships to the court in a parade of champions. Pitino said he was “so happy to be back” at Rupp Arena and, before he ended his coaching career, he wanted to go “back to Camelot one more time.”
“This was one of the best nights I've had in a long time because I visit all my players. I visit the fans that make me happy for it every single day for eight years,” Pitino said. “There have been a lot of coaches, great ones and we get to root for someone (who knows) Kentucky and this is what it’s all about. It’s not about Pope and you will never hear him say (it’s about him). The most selfless, humble young man I’ve ever coached in my life. One of the great examples of what Kentucky is all about. Mark Pope is going to lead you to greatness in every sense of the word.”
Many of those in attendance were making their first visit to Rupp Arena for the event, including Kristin Burton and her son Charlie.
“We were lucky enough to get into the queue fast enough to get our tickets,” she said. “We were No. 2,000 in line. We were holding our breath the whole time.”
A native of Eddyville, Burton was excited to see former Lyon County star and Kentucky Mr. Basketball Travis Perry make his debut at the yearly event.
“We’re excited for our hometown boy,” Burton said. “We watched him in high school (at Lyon County) and he’s amazing. He does a wonderful job and he has a good head on his shoulders. He’s a great teammate and a good role model for all the kids.”
Perry won the three-point contest by edging classmate Trent Noah, 27-26.
As Perry and the rest of his teammates were introduced, they walked through different sections of the crowd during the introductions.
“I’ve never coached a team that spends as much time diving on the floor to win loose balls as this group of young men,” Pope said.
Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops also made an appearance for the first time. The innovative LED court was transformed into a football field as he spoke to the crowd.
“So, this is Madness? I’ve been missing this for 12 years,” Stoops said. “I just wanted to come here and support Kenny Brooks and his team and Mark Pope and his team and staff. We’re in this together.”
Pope and his staff led the team through several drills, including a 3-point shooting contest, won by Perry. Collin Chandler captured the slam dunk championship with a perfect score of 10 following a leaping slam over Pope and his wife, Lee Ann, while wearing a No 41 Pope jersey.
It also was the first Madness event for Kentucky women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks, who also received a standing ovation as he introduced to the crowd.
“I came here for one reason and one reason only,” Brooks said. “… we’re going to go win championships.”
After the players were introduced to the crowd, Dazia Lawrence defeated teammate Amelia Hassett to win the 3-point shooting contest.
“Come out to see us at the first home game at Historic Memorial Coliseum,” Brooks said. “It is beautiful. Come and fill it up.”
Kentucky coach Mark Pope with former UK coach Rick Pitino on Friday night in Rupp Arena for Big Blue Madness. (Photo by Les Nicholson)
