"It just feels different" - Coach Mark Pope shares his delight on recruiting at Kentucky basketball

Mark Pope took over the head coaching role of the Kentucky Wildcats in April 2024, following the departure of John Calipari. Since assuming this role, he has been actively recruiting players for the Kentucky basketball program.

Pope addressed the media after Kentucky's sixth off-season practice session. He shared his thoughts on his experience so far, being at the helm of the coaching department at this prestigious university.

"Every time that I get to walk into a building with UK on my chest, it just feels different recruiting and it looks different. I'm a way handsomer guy. It just comes out of my soul," Pope said in the press conference.

"Every time I get to say, introduce myself to a recruit and say, I'm Coach Pope, the head coach at the University of Kentucky. I can't just that, doesn't roll off my tongue like it catches me every single time and because I know what this job is right? And I know how blessed we are to have a chance to be here affiliated with this incredible university."

Pope mentioned that representing the University of Kentucky carries a strong sense of pride and purpose. Some big names who have joined the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season include BYU transfer Jaxson Robinson, West Virginia point guard Kerr Kriisa, Brandon Garrison from Oklahoma State, and four-star recruit Travis Perry.

Mark Pope plans to fill one or two more staff positions before wrapping up offseason

Kentucky basketball head coach Mark Pope expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season at the summer press conference on Tuesday. However, he addressed that his staff is not complete yet and intends to hire one or two more before calling it an offseason.

"Now we’re at the point with potentially a last staff spot or two about not reevaluating personnel, but reevaluating positions and features of what a job would look like. That actually is taking longer," Pope said.

"I'm really glad that we've crossed over the threshold of where I get to see the staff on the court now interacting with the players in terms of teaching and instructing and pushing and communicating."

Alvin Brooks III joined as the associate head coach, with Cody Fueger, Jason Hart, and Mikhail McLean as assistant coaches for Mark Pope. Mark Fox will serve as the associate coach.

Additionally, Nick Robinson takes on the role of director of basketball operations, while Randy Towner becomes the head strength coach, and Brandon Wells assumes the position of senior athletic trainer.