The University of Kentucky introduced new men’s basketball coach Mark Pope to an insane crowd of 21,000 fans at Rupp Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Pope entered the arena in pro wrestling fashion on a bus with former Kentucky players, including many of his 1996 national championship teammates.
It’s safe to say that Pope “won” the press conference as he seemingly hit on every topic the fans wanted to hear (such as: returning to Maui, including Rick Pitino, connecting with former players, this is a fan first program, the goal is win banners, we want to win SEC championships, mixing up defenses, etc. etc.):
This is an all-time entrance by a new head coach. Mark Pope getting off the bus with his teammates from Kentucky’s historic 1996 national title team is phenomenal. This is how you fire up Big Blue Nation. Pope has immense pride for this program. pic.twitter.com/T93IUMtPyF
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 14, 2024
Covered the sport for three decades and can’t remember seeing a news conference like Sunday’s for Mark Pope at @KentuckyMBB. The Big Blue Nation is one of one in its passionate fandom. Tracking Pope’s progress is going to be one of the top storylines in 2024-25.
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) April 15, 2024
While we’re all enjoying the Masters Kentucky basketball has a sold out arena for a press conference @BarstoolUK
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 14, 2024
