The Five Most Memorable Moments from Mark Pope’s Call-In Radio Show
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope was all smiles on his radio show Monday night, and for good reason. Fresh off his first Battle of the Bluegrass victory as the Wildcats’ leader, Pope celebrated Kentucky’s 93-85 triumph over Louisville. The win not only pushed Kentucky’s record to an impressive 10-1, but it also gave Pope his first edge in the rivalry against new Louisville coach Pat Kelsey.
Pope joined longtime Kentucky broadcaster Tom Leach to reflect on the victory, share insight into the team’s progress, and preview upcoming challenges—including finals week and an exciting trip to New York City for the CBS Sports Classic. Here are the five standout moments from the latest edition of the UK HealthCare Mark Pope Show.
1. The Lamont Butler Recruitment Story
Mark Pope’s journey to landing standout guard Lamont Butler began long before he took the helm at Kentucky. As the head coach at BYU, Pope was well-acquainted with Butler during his time at San Diego State, as the two programs met four times between 2020 and 2023. Each encounter left Pope frustrated—and impressed—by Butler’s ability to wreak havoc defensively.
“Every time we played San Diego State, we spent the first 48 hours trying to figure out how to keep him from stealing the ball on every single possession,” Pope said, recalling sleepless nights game-planning against the tenacious guard.
When Butler entered the transfer portal this past offseason, Pope knew he had to bring him to Kentucky. Now, instead of worrying about Butler, Pope is unleashing him on opponents. Butler’s dominance was on full display against Louisville, where he dropped a career-high 33 points and etched his name into the rivalry’s storied history.
“If you get to put your name solidly in the all-time history books at the University of Kentucky, that’s hard to do,” Pope said. “And certainly, Lamont did it for sure in a magical way on Saturday.”
2. The Historic Significance of the Louisville Rivalry
Ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, former Kentucky players wrote heartfelt letters to the current roster, reminding them of the deep significance of the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry. Pope emphasized how the victory links this group of Wildcats to a legacy that transcends generations.
“For our guys to be able to wear the jersey, play in front of BBN going insane at Rupp Arena, and then finish the game knowing that one day, they’ll write their own letters to future Wildcats—it’s really special,” Pope said.
The win wasn’t just another tally in the record books. It gave the current team an opportunity to join an elite fraternity of players who have triumphed in this storied rivalry—a tradition that Kentucky fans hold close to their hearts.
3. A Potential Return of Alternate Uniforms
A caller during the show asked Pope about the possibility of bringing back alternate jerseys, specifically the fan-favorite black uniforms. While Pope made no promises, he didn’t shut down the idea either.
“Put it in a request, and I’ll try to make it happen,” Pope responded with a smile. “I can’t guarantee it for any specific game, but I love the idea. Let me work on it.”
Under previous coaching regimes, Kentucky periodically introduced throwback and alternate uniforms that became instant hits with fans. Pope’s response suggests he’s open to continuing the tradition, leaving fans hopeful for a new look sometime this season.
4. A New York City Team-Building Trip
As the Wildcats prepare to face Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden, Pope revealed that the team will take advantage of the trip to bond and explore New York City. Known for organizing team outings to iconic locations like the King Center in Atlanta and the Space Needle in Seattle, Pope believes in building camaraderie off the court to strengthen his team’s on-court chemistry.
“After finals wrap up on Thursday, we’re heading up to New York City,” Pope said. “We always carve out 90 minutes or two hours on these trips to put ourselves in a different environment, get to know each other better, and see the world a little bit.”
For Pope, who grew up in the New York area, this trip holds special significance. He plans to expose his players to the energy and culture of the city while preparing them for the high-profile matchup.
“There’s no better place in the world to do that than New York City,” he added.
5. Defining the ‘Championship Chest’
The phrase “use our championship chest” has become a mantra for this year’s Wildcats, stemming from Kentucky’s upset win over Duke earlier this season. When asked to explain the term, Pope provided a detailed breakdown of its meaning.
“Catching bodies with your chest is really important,” Pope said. He described how defensive instincts often lead players to move inefficiently, emphasizing the importance of a positive step—where the first movement covers ground rather than leaning or reaching.
The key, Pope explained, is to guard physically without fouling. “We teach our guys to absorb contact with their chest, not their hands. Players like Lamont Butler, Otega Oweh, and even Trent Noah are masters at it,” he said.
Pope credited his coaching staff, including Alvin Brooks III and Mark Fox, for drilling this concept into the team’s daily routines. The result? Kentucky has emerged as one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the country, effectively guarding opponents without racking up fouls.
Conclusion
Mark Pope’s first Battle of the Bluegrass win as Kentucky’s head coach was more than just a victory; it marked a significant milestone for the team and further cemented the Wildcats’ strong start to the season. From Lamont Butler’s heroics to team-building plans in New York City, Pope’s radio show revealed a coach who is deeply invested in both the program’s present success and its rich history.
As Kentucky looks ahead to the CBS Sports Classic, fans can rest assured that Pope’s energy, vision, and commitment to tradition are driving the Wildcats forward in their pursuit of championship glory.