UK’s Pope on following Calipari: ‘Have to be me’

• Myron Medcalf, ESPN Personnel WriterJun 25, 2024, 09:31 PM ET

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  • Covers college basketball
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2011
  • Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

Mark Pope understood the comparisons he would face at Kentucky as the successor to John Calipari, who led the Wildcats to a nationwide title and some of their most worthwhile years before his tenure soured in current years.But Pope, who was employed in April from BYU following Calipari’s departure to Arkansas, stated Tuesday that while he respects Calipari’s legacy, he can win only if he is authentic in his method to the job. “Well, the one thing

I understand is [Calipari] is one of the best coaches to ever coach here, “Pope said Tuesday at a press conference in Lexington.”I indicate, he went to four Last Fours in 5 years and coached a million draft choices and represented Kentucky really, actually well and provided his body and soul to this place. As [Big Blue Nation], and I’m just as much a member of [Big Blue Nation] as anyone, everyone will be grateful to him forever. And he’s a Hall of Popularity coach.

“However among the things that you learn actually early if you have fantastic mentors in this game is that you simply have to coach you. I have to be me. I can’t be [Rick Pitino], I can’t be [Tubby Smith], I can’t be [Calipari]”

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In his first season, Pope will turn to a fleet of transfers, including previous San Diego State star Lamont Butler and previous BYU standout Jaxson Robinson, to lead the Wildcats through a stacked SEC slate loaded with national title contenders, consisting of Calipari’s Razorbacks.But Pope stated he will not

do it by replicating Calipari or the other excellent coaches who’ve led Kentucky in the past.”It would be disingenuous and my guys wouldn’t actually believe it if I attempted to take on that personality or character or perhaps method to the game,”Pope said.”We’re us. … I’m a big believer in what we do and I enjoy our personnel. I think right now we’re simply trying to do everything we can to build on this extraordinary legacy that is Kentucky basketball and do it the manner in which we know how to do it and really think it’s going to work.”Kentucky will face Arkansas just as soon as this season, and the game will be played in Rupp Arena. Pope stated Calipari has actually been helpful throughout his shift in spite of any bitterness that may stay between the fan base and the previous Wildcats coach.”[ Calipari] has been very generous,” Pope stated. “I have actually had a possibility to talk to him numerous times. He’s constantly been generous. Throughout my whole career, he’s been so excellent to me. However as you enter this job, this is among a kind. We have actually got to go do this the very best method we can. “