Mark Pope dives into faith, Louisville, and more during weekly call in show: Highlights and full show inside
In this week’s Mark Pope Show, the Kentucky head coach gave fans plenty to think about, from player leadership to faith’s role in navigating tough times. The episode highlighted Pope’s knack for storytelling and his passion for connecting with his players and community.
One of the most memorable moments came as Pope praised Kerr Kriisa, sidelined with a Jones fracture, for delivering his first-ever pre-game speech. Pope called it “as memorable as any pre-game speech” he’d heard during his time at Kentucky or BYU. With a chuckle, he added, “Hopefully none of what was said will ever get out.” Given its effectiveness, Pope declared Kriisa the new pre-game speaker for as long as he’s recovering.
Pope delved into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual players. “I don’t coach players” He likes to coach a player individually when possible. He further said the same about a team versus coaching teams. By seeking to understand what his team is seeing and experiencing on the court, Pope and his staff build a connection that helps elevate their performance.
When asked about balancing individual scorers versus a team-oriented system, Pope acknowledged the need for both. “There are times when you want to get Player X into a spot and let him go to work. And we have some really special players,” he said.
Pope also shared a story from his BYU days, recalling a timeout where his intricately drawn play was foiled by Houston, but that they committed a turnover that gave them another chance. With only 6 seconds left, he told his point guard TJ Haws, “Dribble as fast as you can and go score.” Sure enough, Haws pulled up at the elbow for the game-winner.
Faith, a cornerstone of Pope’s life, was another key topic. He described his belief as a “cheat sheet” for life and sports, particularly during challenging times. Quoting Tauren Wells’ song, he shared, “If it’s not good, then He’s not done, no He’s not done with with it yet. There will be joy in the morning” This perspective helps Pope approach adversity with hope and resilience.
As Kentucky prepares for Colgate on Wednesday and Louisville on Saturday, Pope reflected on the Louisville rivalry’s roots, even weaving in a tale involving Rick Pitino and the late “Mr. Wildcat” Bill Keightley at around 37 minutes. For Pope, every game—and every moment—is another chapter in a story filled with passion, faith, and unforgettable memories.
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