Mark Pope Gives Update on Kentucky’s 13th Scholarship Spot

With summer practices now in session, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope held a press conference with local media to discuss his program. After missing out on Will Riley, who committed to Illinois on Sunday, Pope is unsure of what he’ll do with the 13th scholarship spot. He’s previously said he plans to fill that spot, but now that we’re entering July, finding someone worthy of that scholarship will be challenging.

“We are holding open media tryouts next week.” - Mark Pope

Mark Pope discusses his program

Pope did mention the international route could produce a potential option for that final roster spot. While the John Calipari era didn’t end on a high note, Pope continues to express how grateful he was of Coach Cal, while also saying he has to be his own coach.

“He’s one of the best to ever do it,” Pope said of Calipari. “Went to four Final Fours in five years. You just have to coach you. I have to be me. I can’t be Tubby (Smith). I can’t be Coach P (Rick Pitino). I can’t be Cal. I love getting to coach me.”

Kentucky Wildcats logo

Pope also discussed the pride he takes in recruiting for Kentucky now that he’s leading the program he won a national championship with as a player.

“Every time I get to walk into a building with UK on my chest, it just feels different. It just comes out of my soul when I get to tell a recruit, ‘I’m Mark Pope, the head coach at Kentucky,’” Pope said.

There’s no doubt that Pope will give everything he has to make this program one that gets back to winning at the highest level.

Mark Pope is determined to make Kentucky a winning program

You might say he understands the assignment.