Mark Pope, head coach of the University of Kentucky, meanwhile, is fully cherishing this moment with the Wildcats this season, except that it is mixed with a little sadness. After a thrilling win, Pope asserted an aching sentiment that tells how much he loves this team.
Kentucky’s win over Florida turned out to be so fun that already, Mark Pope is sad about the end of the season. “I already get sad thinking we only get to do this 17 more times in this regular season, so we’re going to try and enjoy every second of it,” Pope said.
Likewise.
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“It is definitely an entertaining team to coach,” Pope said, adding with some sorrow. “Unfortunately, we only have 17 of these left for this particular part of the season.” So it’s not very fun to already be sad thinking about how just 17 more of these guys will be left in the regular season. “We’ll just have to try to enjoy every second of it.”
For Pope, the thought of the season speeding on by is a bittersweet reality. It is also precious to him since almost all of them are bound to move up this season. Knowing that coaching such a talented, hardworking, and cohesive team as this year’s Wildcats might be something poignant and memorable.
What makes Leanne mad?
Pope’s post-match feelings were not limited to nostalgia. He brought humor into it as well by referencing his wife. In the analytics breakdown of the game, Pope lavished praise on his team’s efficiency against an elite defensive opponent.
“You know, our guys, we hung in there is probably the best way we can say it-we hung in there,” Pope began. “Also, the last six games the number-one analytical half-court defense in the entire country, and our guys were 25 assists and six turnovers. Like that number, guys, I was going to say breathtaking, but Leanne gets mad at me when I say breathtaking. That number is insane. Twenty-five assists, six turnovers against the number-one defensive team in the half-court in the country over the last six games, that’s crazy.”
Enjoying the Journey
Pope’s appreciation for this team resonates with Big Blue Nation. His ability to connect with his players, cherish their success, and find joy even in the fleeting nature of the season shows why he’s the perfect fit for Kentucky basketball.
As the Wildcats continue their quest for an SEC title and beyond, Pope’s combination of humility, humor, and high expectations is setting the tone. While he may only have 17 regular-season games left to coach this group, you can bet he’ll make the most of every second and hope there are at least 6 more to go in the NCAA tournament.
