HC Mark Pope shares why Kentucky’s 41-point win was “really special” to him

The Kentucky Wildcats opened the season strong with a 103-62 beatdown of Wright State in Mark Pope's coaching debut for his alma mater, a strong opening statement to start off his tenure in Lexington, on Monday night.

Junior Otega Oweh led the way with 20 points to go along with three steals. Drexel transfer Amari Williams had a double-double in his debut with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Jaxson Robinson, Pope's most notable transfer following him from BYU, had a balanced night with eight points, five rebounds and three assists.

But there's a special reason why Mark Pope loved this win: The Wildcats won by exactly 41 points, the same number he wore on his jersey when he played at Kentucky.

“We talked about that after the game, 41, really special to me," Pope said. "So, that is really sweet. Kentucky magic. Nothing like it.”

Pope has a storied history with Kentucky. He transferred to the Wildcats from Washington. He won the national championship in 1995-96 as well as two Southeastern Conference championships at UK.

The Indiana Pacers drafted him in the second round in 1996. However, he had to wear No. 43 instead of No. 41.

Mark Pope has Kentucky roots

Kentucky holds a close place in Pope's heart, and his relationship with the institution is a big reason why he left BYU to coach the Wildcats.

Pope is replacing John Calipari, who led the Wildcats from 2009 to 2024. He took over the Arkansas Razorbacks after the departure of Eric Musselman to the USC Trojans.

One game in, Pope has done a fantastic job and his players are playing hard.

“Really proud of our guys,” Pope said. “I thought they came out like I would’ve hoped they would. They were so intentional to start the game.”

After Kentucky likely gets past Bucknell on Saturday, it will have its first real test of the season against the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils on Tuesday.

Kentucky has seen lots of new faces before through their turnover of NBA-ready true freshmen. But now, a large group of transfers will have the task of bringing Kentucky to where it wants to go.