"They really won me over": Andrew Carr explains how he found his perfect match with Mark Pope and other Kentucky coaches

Coming on board from BYU, where he spent five seasons, Mark Pope has a history with the Kentucky Wildcats. He led the team to the 1996 NCAA championship and will be looking to repeat the feat as head coach this time around.

The recruitment process for a program with such high aspirations can be intense, but senior forward Andrew Carr has shed light on what it was like with the Wildcats boss. Carr praised Mark Pope and the rest of the coaches when speaking to The Courier-Journal about his decision to transfer to Kentucky.

“I knew exactly what I wanted and had a short list of schools,” he said. “They really won me over. From the get-go, they exuded warmth and sincerity. Their transparency was refreshing.”

Andrew Carr started his college career with Delaware before transferring to Wake Forest after two seasons, where he averaged 13.5 ppg and 6.8 RPG in 2023-24. The former high school star, now in his final year, has transferred to the Wildcats to try and help them get another title.

Mark Pope feels blessed and proud for his new beginning with Kentucky

Speaking on the impact Kentucky had on his career as a player and now, as a coach, Pope is excited for the challenge.

“Every time I tell a recruit, ‘I’m Coach Pope, head coach at the University of Kentucky,’ I feel a thrill. This role is a blessing, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to represent such a revered institution," Pope said.

The Wildcats were ranked 23rd in the AP Top 25 heading into the 2024-25 season. Although this isn't the Top-10 finish we've come to expect from a Wildcats team, it's not terrible given Pope's first year in command after taking over from John Calipari.

The Kentucky Wildcats' season officially tips off on Nov. 4 against Wright State at the Rupp Arena. Mark Pope and his troops will first play an exhibition game against Kentucky Wesleyan on Oct. 29.