"We're going to become great": Kentucky's Mark Pope inspires Wildcats hoopers while giving a look inside 'Banner Camp'

Mark Pope is quite a popular figure in Kentucky men's basketball program. As a player, he was part of the 1996 Wildcats team that won the national championship. Now, he will lead the eight-time NCAA Tournament winners as their coach.

One of Pope's objectives ahead of his maiden season as Wildcats' coach is permeating his philosophy through to his players. The key pillars of his philosophy include the importance of playing for each other and sharing the same passion for Wildcats basketball.

On October 3, the program released a sneak peek into the men's basketball 'Banner Camp', which began at 6 AM in the morning. During their training session, Pope shared some words of inspiration for his players, emphasizing how important it is to impress the fans who will come to watch them at the Rupp Arena.

"The magic we're looking for, this thing will bring you to tears one day if you do it well," said Pope. "It's going to be in the work, we're not avoiding this work.

"We're going to jump this show and we're going to become great and tied together and it's why, when we get on the Court Rupp with 22,000 fans going crazy, why we're going to be a problem. Because we're going to be so connected. But, there's only one way to get there. Do that one."

Pope's words during the drills shown in the video seemed to instill confidence among his players.

Mark Pope has huge shoes to fill in Kentucky

After John Calipari decided to jump ship to the Arkansas Razorbacks, Mark Pope stepped up as his successor for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This is after he finished 110-52 in five seasons as the BYU Cougars' head coach.

Mark Pope joined the Wildcats after five fairly successful seasons with the BYU Cougars.

Although the Wildcats have the second-most NCAA championships in men's basketball history, they haven't won the coveted crown since 2012. This is despite them being a regular feature in March Madness. They also haven't won the SEC regular season title since 2020, and the SEC Tournament since 2018.

Mark Pope has made some solid additions to his coaching staff and roster. Their recruits for the upcoming season are led by four-star point guard prospect Travis Perry and Cougars transfer Jaxson Robinson.

He will hope to make a strong start, with the Wildcats opening the 2024-25 season on November 4 against the Wright State Raiders at home on November 4.