"This is like giving him the keys to a Ferrari and let him drive it": Mark Pope's new gig at Kentucky gets big shoutout from ex-Wildcat Nate Sestina

The Kentucky Wildcats basketball program is transitioning into a new era under coach Mark Pope. Following the 2023-24 season, John Calipari decided to leave after a 15-season stint. He has taken over as the coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, leading Kentucky to hire their former player, Pope, as a replacement.

Before taking up the Kentucky job, Mark Pope had spent the last five seasons as the coach of the BYU Cougars, where he put up a 110-52 overall record. While Pope is yet to win a national title during his college coaching career, ex-Kentucky star Nate Sestina has confidence in Pope.

During an interview, Sestina, who played one season for the Wildcats before going overseas, said that it's a great opportunity for Mark Pope to prove his worth. He also said that the Kentucky HC's offensive efficiency will be a key factor in the program's success.

"He's unbelievable especially in the community. It's a huge opportunity for him to really get that fanbase going again and you know, making Rupp just a dangerous place to play.

"People want to fear playing here. I think the way he plays his ccoaching style on the offense, gun in three that's kind of where basketball's transitioning to and I think that his efficiency on offense, you know the last couple of years, the ratings and everything."

Sestina concluded:

"This is like giving him the keys to a Ferrari and let him drive. And I think that he's taking it forward, and he knows what he's doing, intelligent man, played here. He understands what it means, and I think that's a recipe for disaster for other teams."

During his collegiate career, Mark Pope won two SEC championships and a national title with the Kentucky Wildcats. So he has a history with the program, which could prove to be beneficial in his new journey as the coach.

---

Mark Pope gets real on succeeding John Calipari in Kentucky

After taking over as Calipari's successor, Pope has been focusing his time and effort in the offseason on rebuilding a strong roster.

When he was compared to Calipari and his success with the program, Jack Pilgrim quoted Mark Pope as saying that he needs to stay true to his individuality. He doesn't want to try to replicate Calipari and his methods.

"He's one of the best to ever do it, went to four Final Four in five years. ... You just have to coach you. I have to be me. I can't be Tubby, I can't be Coach P, I can't be Cal. ... I love getting to coach me."

Kentucky and Arkansas are set to face off against each other just once this upcoming season. It will be interesting to see who emerges victorious between Coach Pope and Coach Calipari.