Pitino loves who is at the helm for both programs.
The Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals have one of the best rivalries in college hoops. The in-state battle routinely draws eyes and is heavily cared for by just about everyone in the Bluegrass.
As for the Cats’ success, in Mark Pope’s first year, they were able to come out on top. They took down the Cardinals, who have become a top-25 team this season, 93-85 on December 14.
Kentucky was led by guard Lamont Butler, who dropped 33 points. He led the team both in scoring and playmaking, also totaling a Wildcats-high six assists in that battle.
It was another highlight-filled game between the squads, and the rivalry should only continue to thrive until Pope and Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey.
That’s at least what legendary coach Rick Pitino believes, who has coached both programs.
The rivalry with UK and Louisville will be awesome for years to come. Two great young coaches with Pat Kelsey and our captain Mark Pope.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) January 29, 2025
Kelsey, who was born and raised about two hours north in Cincinnati, has a slew of experience both playing and coaching. He was the head coach at Winthrop and Charleston, programs that had great success under his leadership.
For the Cats, what Pope brings is clear. With wins over Duke and Tennessee, among many other primetime victories, they have had a strong season already and should only see improvement throughout the year. With Pope building out his comfort level in Lexington, expect the success to be sustained.
As Pitino notes, the rivalry is in good hands moving forward with Pope and Kelsey helping improve their respective programs. Neither team has been to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2019, but there’s a real chance that changes this year with one or both potentially making it that far.