Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats are in the middle of preparations for the 2025-26 NCAA season, in which the 10-year veteran coach will try to elevate the team’s game and take it further than the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.
Pope took over from legendaryJohn Calipari last season, and his first season in front of the team was solid. They posted a 24-12 (10-8 in the conference) record, in a season that ended with a 78-65 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers.
After eight weeks of summer practice, Pope decided to give his players some free time before the semester starts. However, not every player has paid attention to his indications, and one has had trouble keeping himself out of the gym.
Mark Pope says one player is reluctant to leave the gym
During an appearance on the “Eye on College Basketball” show with Matt Norlander, Pope said Florida Gators transfer guard Denzel Aberdeen hasn’t stopped practicing, even after Pope’s clear instructions.
Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats
“We tried to kick everybody off campus. To try to get everybody off campus to go home and refresh.” Pope said. “And then I’m sitting here in the office, and Denzel Aberdeen is down there in a full sweat getting a ton of work done. Reece Potter is out there getting shots. I mean, you think about DA. He’s got a national championship ring on his finger, and in our one week off, where we’ve told these guys they’re banned from the gym, these guys are still breaking in. That’s the type of group we have.”
Aberdeen averaged 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last season, helping the Gators win it all in a magical season.
