Kentucky head coach Mark Pope was named to the National Basketball Association of Basketball Coaches’ Board of Directors on Wednesday.
Pope is one of nine new members who make the NABC’s top leadership body. Minnesota State’s Matt Margenthaler will serve as the NABC Board of Directors President for the 2025-26 season. Pope is joined by Baylor’s Scott Drew, North Georgia’s Dan Evans, Yale’s James Jones, Pomona-Pitzer’s Charles Katsiaficas, Liberty’s Ritchie McKay, Duke’s Jon Scheyer, Notre Dame’s Micah Shrewsberry and Illinois’ Brad Underwood on the board of directors.
Here is a press release from UK Athletics:
KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Kentucky basketball head coach Mark Pope has been named to the National Basketball Association of Basketball Coaches’ Board of Directors; the organization announced on Wednesday.
Pope is one of nine new members who comprise the NABC’s top leadership body, providing strategic oversight of the association’s daily operations and advocacy work. Minnesota State’s Matt Margenthaler will serve as the NABC Board of Directors President for the 2025-26 season. Pope is joined by Baylor’s Scott Drew, North Georgia’s Dan Evans, Yale’s James Jones, Pomona-Pitzer’s Charles Katsiaficas, Liberty’s Ritchie McKay, Duke’s Jon Scheyer, Notre Dame’s Micah Shrewsberry and Illinois’ Brad Underwood on the board of directors.
“As college athletics and the game of basketball undergo unprecedented transformation, it’s vital that coaches continue to present a unified voice and demonstrate sound national leadership,” said NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson per NABC’s release. “These nine coaches were identified by their peers as ideal candidates to represent our over 5,000 members on the NABC Board of Directors, and their diverse perspectives will strengthen the NABC’s efforts to support the profession and grow the sport.”
Kentucky went 24-12 overall in Pope’s inaugural season at his alma mater. Included in those victories were eight against Associated Press Top 15 opponents, tying Indiana (1992-93) and Duke (1978-79) for the most in a single season in collegiate basketball history. Five of the eight wins were against top 10 foes, setting a new program record. The Cats themselves ranked inside of the AP Top 25 for the duration of the season and finished the year ranking No. 12 overall.
With a win over No. 6 Florida on Jan. 4, Pope joined Adolph Rupp as the only coaches in program history to win each of their first three matchups vs. AP Top 10 teams. He did it in dramatic fashion as well. Pope and his squad overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to outlast No. 7 Gonzaga on Dec. 7, 2024. It matched the largest halftime hole overcome in program history.
The Wildcats downed Troy and Illinois to reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. They became the first team in more than 20 years with zero returning points from the previous season to reach at least the second weekend of the tournament. Kentucky finished the season ranking in the top 10 in KenPom offensive efficiency, it ranked seventh in the nation in points per game and set a program record with 341 made 3s. Furthermore, six players averaged double-digit scoring for the first time in school history.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s basketball team, follow @KentuckyMBB on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
