Mark Pope knows what it’s like to be on the opposing sideline at Rupp Arena.
“It was unbelievable,” Pope said Thursday. “That was an experience I hadn't had as a player to come in here as a visitor. When you come and play here or come and coach here, you certainly see the world from one perspective. To come in here as a visiting coach was super powerful for me. It was really learning and telling, because I can really relate to the experience of every single coach that walks into this gym to coach against the Wildcats.”
More than seven years ago, Pope and his Utah Valley squad played Kentucky in the season opener for both teams. The game was the first of two games in less than a 24-hour period, Pope recalled on Thursday. Following a 73-63 loss to the Wildcats, Utah Valley lost at Duke, 99-69.
“When I came here from Utah Valley, I don't think our administrators, fans, and donors have ever been more excited in their entire life about anything in the basketball world than to come on that trip. We actually lost our minds. We scheduled Duke and Kentucky in 24 hours. We played Kentucky at 7 p.m. and then Duke at 5 p.m. the next day. The only thing better than walking in here as opposing closer players is getting to actually put on this jersey.
“It's the pinnacle of college basketball and the fact that any of us forget for a moment in time to be connected to this program, is the greatest gift and honor ever. That'll never change.”
As for John Calipari’s return with Arkansas for a nationally televised game in Rupp Arena, Pope said he “loves the drama” surrounding the former Kentucky coach who will be coming back to the place he called home for 15 years. He led the Wildcats to a national championship in 2012.
“I love competing against people that I admire, look up to and I love. And Cal is certainly one of those people — he's a Hall of Fame coach and he's a legend in the sport.
“He's rewritten a lot of the book on how things are done and he's one of the best that there ever was. He’s also got an unbelievable legacy here at the University of Kentucky.”
Pope compared the homecoming to Kentucky’s yearly instate encounter against Louisville.
“It’s like an in-state game in the sense of that vibe. There's nobody you love to compete against more than your brother or somebody in the family or somebody you're tied to. You're searching for bragging rights and all the things that come with it. All the drama and emotion that comes with it is it makes it really special”
Pope isn’t sure what kind of reception his predecessor will receive in his first visit to Lexington since resigning as coach of the Wildcats last spring to take the vacant post at Arkansas. Former Kentucky coach and current St. John’s coach Rick Pitino recalled in a video on social media how difficult it was to return to Rupp Arena when he coached Louisville.
“The toughest day of my coaching career at Louisville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,” he said. “I tried not to show it, but when I went home, the reception, it tore me up in part because I love that place so much.”
Pitino urged the fanbase to be respectful when Calipari brings his Arkansas squad to Lexington on Saturday night.
“As you all know, I’m not best friends with John Calipari,” Pitino said. “I respect him, certainly, but it was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves. He needed a change, and he really didn’t want to leave.
“But what did he do for you? He brought the best talent in the history of the game of any university in America to Lexington. He also won a national championship. His style of play was extremely entertaining. … I want all of you to show the great class that you have. 23,000-plus people giving him a huge standing ovation. Show him what respect and admiration is all about. I know you have the class. I’ve always believed in you. Do it once again.”
Gametracker: Arkansas at Kentucky, 8 p.m., Saturday. TV/Radio: ESPN, UK Radio Network SuperTalk 94.3 WKYX and WiLLiE 102
Arkansas head coach John Calipari yells his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Wade Payne - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS
