Pope is a man of the people.
The Kentucky Wildcats are off to a hot start in the Mark Pope era, winning their first two games and eyeing a Champions Classic battle with the Duke Blue Devils on Tuesday
Coming from BYU, Pope, who was once a Wildcats player himself, has instantly connected with the Big Blue Nation. It isn’t just his demeanor, although that certainly helps. It is how he acts and how he follows up that demeanor with how he spends his time.
After the game Saturday, Pope stuck around the arena and signed autographs. He didn’t leave until every fan who wanted his signature had gotten it. That’s how you build a relationship with the fanbase, especially one with as die-hard fans as Kentucky.
A really cool moment as Mark Pope lets fans line up and get autographs after the post game remarks pic.twitter.com/zD0fGzPfeN
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) November 10, 2024
Mark Pope and his wife Lee Anne are still on the Rupp Arena floor signing autographs. He started at 6:55, and doesn’t plan to leave until everything is signed. #BBN pic.twitter.com/f3tDCVUTKa
— Colby Wilson (@colbyywilsonn) November 10, 2024
Pope’s Cats aren’t just winning, as they have been dominant throughout the first two games.
While dominant defines the Cats’ success, it hasn’t been as many expected. Kentucky has numerous defensive-minded players, so it should be an elite side on that side of the court. Its offense has been what is red hot, scoring triple digits in both games.
This team is clearly bought into Pope’s philosophy, and hopefully, it will continue to produce results on the court.