Mark Pope’s Return to Seattle: Basketball, Memories, and a Top-10 Showdown
As Kentucky prepares for a fierce basketball clash against No. 7 Gonzaga on Saturday night in Seattle, head coach Mark Pope’s journey to Climate Pledge Arena is not just about basketball—it’s deeply personal. For Pope, who once dominated the high school basketball scene in the Seattle area, this trip represents a poignant homecoming filled with memories, reunions, and challenges.
Though the game is technically on neutral ground, Gonzaga fans are expected to fill the 18,000-seat arena, creating a daunting atmosphere for the No. 4-ranked Wildcats. But amid the intensity, Pope will have the comfort of familiar faces in the crowd, as former teammates, siblings, and his high school coach, Richard Belcher, gather to support him.
A Storied Past in Seattle
Mark Pope’s basketball legacy in Seattle began at Newport High School in Bellevue, just 12 miles from Climate Pledge Arena. Under the guidance of Coach Belcher, Pope led Newport to its first state tournament appearance in 23 years during his junior year. By his senior season, he averaged an astounding 24 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocked shots per game, cementing his status as a nationally sought-after recruit.
Belcher, who retired in 2007 after a storied coaching career, shaped Pope’s philosophy on and off the court. “He was more than a coach—he was a mentor, a father figure, and a teacher,” Pope said. Belcher’s unique approach to coaching emphasized individual connection. “He didn’t coach a team. He coached individuals,” Pope explained, crediting Belcher for instilling values that he now carries into his role as Kentucky’s head coach.
The College Journey: From Washington to Kentucky
Despite early interest from Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, Pope initially chose to stay close to home, committing to the University of Washington. As a freshman, he earned Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors, but despite his standout performances, the team struggled. After two seasons and a coaching change, Pope transferred to Kentucky, where he thrived under Pitino, eventually helping the Wildcats secure a national championship in 1996.
“I don’t get to go back to Seattle much, so this trip is special,” Pope said. With many of his siblings still living in the area, the game offers a rare chance for family and friends to witness him on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.
Facing a Familiar Foe: Gonzaga and Mark Few
Saturday’s game also reunites Pope with Gonzaga coach Mark Few, a respected rival and friend. Over the years, Pope has faced Few’s Bulldogs 10 times, winning only once—a memorable upset during Pope’s first season at BYU. Few’s consistency and Gonzaga’s distinct style of play have earned Pope’s admiration.
“What Mark has done is nothing short of remarkable,” Pope said. “Every year, Gonzaga has a clear identity and executes at the highest level. You could take the names off the jerseys, and you’d still know it’s a Gonzaga team by how they play.”
Few’s dominance over Pope has not gone unnoticed. “I’ve got a lot of PTSD from those matchups,” Pope joked. Yet, he remains optimistic, eager to embrace the challenge of leading Kentucky against one of college basketball’s most formidable programs.
A Game That’s More Than Basketball
This weekend’s game carries immense stakes, with both teams ranked in the top 10 and coming off impressive starts to the season. Kentucky (7-1) and Gonzaga (7-1) have built a fierce rivalry, with the Zags narrowly edging the Wildcats 89-85 in their last meeting earlier this year in Lexington.
For Pope, however, the significance goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s about reconnecting with the city and people who helped shape his journey. “Seattle is a great city. I have so much love for it,” he said.
As the Wildcats take the court in a hostile environment, Pope will undoubtedly draw on his past, hoping to inspire his team to deliver a performance worthy of the stage—and the memories that brought him back to Seattle.