It’s been a while since the Kentucky Wildcats were the team to beat in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball.</a> Nevertheless, they’re still a driving force, and as such, an appealing destination for several stars.



The Wildcats have been very active in the transfer portal after their loss in the tournament, and they’ve already landed a very explosive point guard to add much more firepower to their offense.



That’s why Kentucky coach Mark Pope gushed about his new not-so-secret weapon and top-notch addition, former Pittsburgh Panthers star point guard Jaland Lowe.



<h2>Mark Pope raves about Jaland Lowe</h2>



“Jaland is an incredibly explosive, playmaking, veteran point guard. He’s a great kid who has a tremendous work ethic and, most importantly, loves this game and wants nothing more than to win,” said Pope.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250415_BUS_377335_Mark-Pope1-1024x576_043e831f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope" class="wp-image-285801" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope </figcaption></figure>



Lowe shined for the Panthers last season. He scored 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. However, he shot just 37% from the field and 26% from beyond the arc.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Then again, a lot of that also had to do with him doing most of the heavy lifting on offense. Needless to say, that’s not going to be the case now that he’s with the Wildcats. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67feb33d0c8fd1e7fdf27014" data-title="Will the Wildcats win the national title next season?" data-options="2"></div>

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals the Wildcats’ new secret weapon

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals the Wildcats' new secret weapon - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Jaland Lowe has had a great season representing the Pittsburgh Panthers; however, he made the important decision to seek new opportunities for the future. The talented player will begin the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">NCAAB</a> season representing another prominent program.


 


The fortunate ones to have this important point guard on their roster for the next season are none other than the Kentucky Wildcats, coached by Mark Pope. Lowe’s decision to enter the Transfer Portal allowed him to switch programs for what lies ahead.



The news was shared by Jack Pilgrim, who, through his X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details about the latest move made by the Missouri City native.



“BREAKING: Kentucky lands All-ACC point guard Jaland Lowe, a transfer from Pittsburgh. Averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game in 2024-25,” Pilgrim reported via @JackPilgrimKSR.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250405_BUS_370509_Jaland-Lowe-1-1024x576_4feba3d8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jaland Lowe" class="wp-image-370519" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/05113936/Jaland-Lowe-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaland Lowe #15 of the Pittsburgh Panthers drive the lane against Jordan Crawford #2 of the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in the second half at Petersen Events Center on December 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Pope’s challenge with the Wildcats</h2>



Mark Pope’s arrival at the helm of the Kentucky Wildcats’ first team came after the departure of then HC John Calipari, who decided to join Arkansas. In his first season as head coach, he managed to lead his team to the Sweet 16, and he hopes to improve the results in the following season.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/the-greatest-march-madness-coaches-of-all-time-who-built-the-best-dynasties"></div>


After more than five years, the Wildcats managed to reach this stage in March Madness, though unfortunately for them, a tough loss to the Tennessee Volunteers, their SEC rivals, left <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kentucky">Kentucky</a> empty-handed.


 


Many are convinced that the arrival of Lowe, along with several moves that could be made in the near future, will give Pope a strong enough roster to compete in the upcoming College Basketball season.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67f152ec0c8fd1e7fdf26ccf" data-title="Will the Wildcats be contenders next season?" data-options="3"></div>

Jaland Lowe makes big decision ahead of next NCAAB season after his time at Pittsburgh

March Madness 2025: Ranking all 68 teams in the NCAA tournament

March Madness shockers: The top 15 unforgettable upsets in NCAA history

Jaland Lowe makes big decision ahead of next NCAAB season after his time at Pittsburgh - Bolavip US

The No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers will go head-to-head with the No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats in one of the most unpredictable Sweet Sixteen matchups in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a>. Ahead of such a crucial meeting on March 28, head coach Rick Barnes issued a strong confession, with a slight shot at his former program, the Texas Longhorns.



Since leaving Austin and moving to Knoxville, Barnes has enjoyed success with the Volunteers. During the current <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> Tournament, Barnes will play in his tenth career Sweet Sixteen stage, this season’s being the fourth appearance with the Vols.



Last year, Barnes and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tennessee-volunteers">Volunteers</a> were crowned SEC regular season champions, for the second time during Barnes’ tenure. However, they couldn’t move on past the Elite Eight round. This season they’ll hope for an even better outcome, though it won’t be precisely easy.



Ahead of a marquee matchup against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kentucky">Kentucky</a> at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the former Longhorns coach made a bold admission about his firing from Texas and his subsequent move to Tennessee.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250327_BUS_365007_Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-1024x576_0034a3b4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-365171" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152457/Chaz-Lanier-2-of-the-Tennessee-Volunteers-takes-a-shot-during-the-first-half-against-the-UCLA-Bruin.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Chaz Lanier #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a shot during the first half against the UCLA Bruins in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 22, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.</figcaption></figure>



“I thank [God] every day for that,” Barnes firmly stated about his departure from Austin after 17 seasons at the helm, per On3. 


 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/ncaab-news-texas-ad-chris-del-conte-drops-bold-statement-about-new-coach-sean-miller-with-dig-at-fired-rodney-terry"></div>


<h2>Barnes’ accomplishments in Texas</h2>



One doesn’t coach a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> program for over 15 years without achieving impressive results, let alone at a prestigious school like the University of Texas in Austin.



Throughout his 17 seasons with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/texas-longhorns">Longhorns</a>, Barnes brought much success and a great reputation to The Forty Acres. Under Barnes, Texas missed the NCAA Tournament in only one ocassion, during the 2012-13 campaign. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250327_BUS_365007_Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-1024x576_42c2584c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-365165" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/27152104/Head-coach-Rick-Barnes-of-the-Texas-Longhorns-reacts-in-the-second-half-against-the-Butler-Bulldogs.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Rick Barnes of the Texas Longhorns reacts in the second half against the Butler Bulldogs during the second round of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Consol Energy Center on March 19, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.</figcaption></figure>



The Longhorns reached the Final Four during the 2002-03 season, underlining their best March Madness finish with Barnes. He also led Texas to three Big 12 regular-season championships, including one in his first year on the job in 1999. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67e5a65fe70a37cf621484e8" data-title="How far will the Tennessee Volunteers go in 2025 March Madness?" data-options="5"></div>


<h2>Moved on</h2>



Despite the great memories, it all feels like a distant past as Barnes is now fully immersed in Knoxville, aiming to reach new heights with the Volunteers. As the Vols prepare for Kentucky, the head coach made it clear that he has no regrets about his time in Texas and has completely moved on from ‘The Lone Star State’.

March Madness News: Ahead of Sweet 16 vs Kentucky, Tennessee HC Rick Barnes drops blunt dig at Texas

NCAAB News: John Calipari doesn’t care about Kentucky

March Madness News: Ahead of Sweet 16 vs Kentucky, Tennessee HC Rick Barnes drops blunt dig at Texas - Bolavip US

Pirot to Kentucky matchup in March Madness, Vols HC Barnes takes shot at Longhorns

The Arkansas Razorbacks have turned plenty of heads in the NCAA Tournament. Despite their inconsistency, they’ve still managed to get a couple of wins in the first rounds.



Now, they have a Sweet 16 date with Texas Tech. Notably, the Kentucky Wildcats have also reached this stage, and they will square off vs. Tennessee in the following round.



Both teams are on opposite sides of the bracket, so they could only face off in the tournament game. That’s why John Calipari couldn’t care less about what his former program is up to right now. 



<h2>John Calipari isn’t thinking about Kentucky</h2>



“No, not worried about them,” Calipari said on The Dan Patrick Show. “This is what’s happened for us. This season has been the most rewarding season I’ve had. Seasons where we won more games and won national titles and Final Fours and Elite Eights. I’ve had all those but what this team has been through to survive it, it’s been as rewarding as any season.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250326_BUS_363425_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_812b1044.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari </figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, there’s no reason he should be looking over his shoulder and paying attention to other teams. It’s hard to win in this tournament as it is, so there’s no need to add more pressure.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Of course, having them face off at any point would be a major storyline. But until that happens — if it happens at all — Coach Cal should only focus on the task at hand.

NCAAB News: John Calipari doesn't care about Kentucky - Bolavip US

When John Calipari left the Kentucky Wildcats, some people thought this would be the beginning of a very tough time for the program. Then, they weren’t so high on Mark Pope.



Pope had never logged a top recruit or won a game in the NCAA Tournament during his days at BYU. And even after he put together a strong roster, some still had doubts about him.



Now, the Wildcats can help him get his first-ever win in March Madness. However, when asked about that, he brushed off that and talked about how this was much bigger than him. 



<h2>Mark Pope doesn’t want the tournament to be about himself</h2>



“It just doesn’t really matter. Like, that doesn’t even register for me,” Pope said. “Guys, if this is about me, then it’s just dumb. I didn’t come to Kentucky to make this about me. Like, I actually have no interest in me. I have interest in our team, I have interest in this program, I have interest in this tradition. I have interest in these guys who made this bold and brazen decision to come here with nothing proven to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to go make our mark on this game’ — which they’ve done so incredibly well this season.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250318_BUS_357514_Mark-Pope-1024x576_b526b593.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315500" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats </figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, it’s safe to say that he’s already exceeded expectations for his first campaign in charge of the program, especially considering he had yet to prove himself at this kind of stage.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


The Wildcats might not be the team to beat at this point, but it seems like the program is still in great hands despite John Calipari’s departure and the transfer portal frenzy.

Mark Pope gets brutally honest on getting first March Madness win of his career

Mark Pope gets brutally honest on getting first March Madness win of his career - Bolavip US

All things considered, and despite a myriad of injuries, the Kentucky Wildcats have had a decent season in Mark Pope’s first year in charge, even if they’re not the team to beat.



The Wildcats have a long history of contention, and Pope knows they must live up to those expectations. Of course, that will all start with the SEC Tournament in Nashville.



They tied a record for the most top-15 wins in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> history with their win over Missouri. Now, they’re looking to keep their foot on the gas and get the job done in the SEC Tournament. 



<h2>Mark Pope says the Wildcats will win the SEC Tournament</h2>



“We’re going to win. That’s why we’re going down there,” Pope said. “And that doesn’t guarantee us the win, but we’re very clear on that objective, and we understand how important this is and what it means to BBN and what it means to our guys. So we’re going to go chase it as hard as we can. It’s going to be a challenge from the get go. This league is so fantastic, but why would you want anything less?”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250311_BUS_353253_Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-1024x576_55cb7914.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Texas A&amp;M Aggies at Rupp Arena on January 14, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky." class="wp-image-349370" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05162415/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Texas-A.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Texas A&amp;M Aggies at Rupp Arena on January 14, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.</figcaption></figure>



Several coaches claim that they don’t care about conference tournament wins, but that’s not the case with coach Pope. If anything, he knows this is the kind of boost his team needs ahead of March Madness.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


They’re not the odds-on favorites to go the distance by any means, mostly due to their injuries, but it seems like the future is bright with coach Pope leading the way.

Mark Pope shares his honest thoughts on Kentucky’s chances to win the SEC Tournament

Mark Pope shares his honest thoughts on Kentucky's chances to win the SEC Tournament - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kentucky">Kentucky Wildcats</a> waved goodbye to Rupp Arena and the Big Blue Nation after their final home game of the 2024-25 NCAA season. Following a rout of the LSU Fighting Tigers by a lopsided score of 95-64, head coach Mark Pope took the mic to address the home crowd for one last time this season, delivering a bold warning to the rest of the schools.



Kentucky didn’t disappoint in the slightest on the school’s Senior Night. In an emotional matchup, the Wildcats blew the Tigers out of the water. The loss was yet another setback in a challenging season for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> program in Baton Rouge.



Kentucky (overall record 20-10) improved to a 9-8 SEC record in the campaign, and sitting as the 8th seed in the league ahead of the SEC tournament, being held in Nashville from March 12-16.



As Pope and the Wildcats gear up for the most critical stage of their season, the first-year head coach in Lexington delivered a clear message to the program, along with a warning to the rest of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250305_BUS_349364_Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-1024x576_9f2fc4e1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts to a turnover during the 94-78 loss to the Auburn Tigers at Rupp Arena on March 01, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky." class="wp-image-347069" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts to a turnover during the 94-78 loss to the Auburn Tigers at Rupp Arena on March 01, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.</figcaption></figure>



“Beating Duke, super special. On the road at Gonzaga, super special,” Pope enlisted Kentucky’s biggest wins during his first year at the helm, per On3. “Of course, we beat Louisville. But we’ve got a lot more to do! So we’ll see you in Missouri on Saturday. We’ll see guys in Nashville and then the NCAA Tournament.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/mark-pope-knows-who-to-blame-for-failure-vs-auburn"></div>


<h2>Riding the highs-and-lows</h2>



It’s been a tumultuous season for Pope and Kentucky, with pivotal lessons learned along the way. As Pope reflected about his first year in Lexington, the Wildcats head coach made something clear about his team’s mindset, especially after finding out of Jaxson Robinson’s season-ending injury.



“It’s hard to make sense of why he doesn’t get a chance to finish this with these guys. It’s really brutal,” Pope admitted.”I think, the guys are devastated for him and really sad for us because he is such a massive part of this team. At the same time resolved that, and we are going to try to find a way to win with what we have today.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250305_BUS_349364_Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-1024x576_010167b0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-349390" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05170126/Jaxson-Robinson-2-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-drives-against-Sean-Pedulla-3-of-the-Mississippi-Rebels.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaxson Robinson #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives against Sean Pedulla #3 of the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at The Pavilion at Ole Miss on February 04, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Special group</h2>



“A group that came together in a very short period of time,” Pope said about the Wildcats team. “Played the third-hardest schedule in all of college basketball. In the top five in Quad 1 wins of any team in college basketball. And no team, not even my ’96 team, won more top-15 games in a season than this Kentucky Basketball team.“


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Kentucky will close out the regular season against the Missouri Tigers in Columbia on March 8. The Wildcats will walk into Mizzou Arena vying to improve their seeding ahead of the SEC tournament in Music City.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope delivers strong statement, warning the rest of the league about Kentucky

NCAAB News: Mark Pope delivers strong statement, warning the rest of the league about Kentucky - Bolavip US

Kentucky HC Mark Pope warns the rest of the NCAA

No. 1 Auburn is the top team in all of basketball for a reason. And if someone had any doubts about that, they just made a pretty big statement in their win over the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats.



Johni Broome and company routed the Wildcats 94-78. It was the first Tigers win at Rupp in almost four decades, and it headlined some of the issues Mark Pope’s team has had to deal with all year long.



That’s why, on top of tipping his hat to his opposition, the Wildcats’ coach had no choice but to take the blame for not getting his team ready to perform against such a good team.



<h2>Mark Pope takes the blame for loss to Aurburn</h2>



“I would love to make excuses on that,” Pope said. “That ultimately falls on my shoulders. Credit goes to Auburn also. They’ve done this, you know they’re a good team. They made really hard shots tonight and their switching was a deenergizer for us and we did not respond to it well at all.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250304_BUS_348397_Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-1024x576_df8b1d33.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts to a turnover during the 94-78 loss to the Auburn Tigers at Rupp Arena on March 01, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky." class="wp-image-347069" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02150102/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-reacts-to-a-turnover-during-the-94-78-loss-to-the.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope</figcaption></figure>



Granted, the Tigers have one of the leading candidates for Player of the Year, and they’ve been dominant all year long. Also, the Wildcats clearly miss Jaxson Robinson, who’s going to be out for the season.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Even so, the Wildcats went just 4-of-17 from beyond the arc in the loss. They struggled with the Tigers’ physicality, and it’s not a good omen ahead of the tournament.

Mark Pope knows who to blame for ‘failure’ vs. Auburn

Mark Pope knows who to blame for 'failure' vs. Auburn - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats couldn’t take down the number one ranked program in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a>, as they fell 94-78 to the Auburn Tigers in a ranked matchup at Rupp Arena. After the deflating defeat, head coach Mark Pope made something clear about Bruce Pearl’s Tigers.



The Wildcats missed a pivotal chance to shock the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> with a statement victory over the No. 1 program in the nation. After the loss, Kentucky fell back to a .500 SEC record, and could drop further down in the AP rankings as they were dismantled by the visiting Tigers.



While the defeat stings and will linger in Lexington, Coach Pope knows better than to cry over spilled milk. As the team shifts its focus to the next challenge, he made an honest statement about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auburn">Auburn</a>.



“Right now, they are the best team in the country,” Kentucky coach Mark Pope said, per On3. “They punished us tonight, for sure.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250302_BUS_347054_Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-1024x576_bdb66117.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-347094" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153315/Mark-Pope-the-head-coach-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-Volunte.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats during the 75-64 win against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 11, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.</figcaption></figure>



Auburn got off to a hot start, going on a 12-0 run early in the game, which made the night much easier for Pearl’s side. The first half ended 49-34 in Auburn’s favor, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kentucky">Kentucky</a> couldn’t trim the lead in the second half.


 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/ahead-of-march-madness-nba-hall-of-famer-charles-barkley-makes-very-sincere-admission-about-alabama-hc-nate-oats"></div>


<h2>Pope praises Pearl and his staff</h2>



Kentucky was hoping to build off of their nail-biting victory over Oklahoma, but Auburn proved to be too much for the Wildcats to hold off at Rupp Arena. After the game, Pope credited the Tigers for their sensational performance, for which he had no answers.



“It’s a real credit to their guys, to their players, and a real credit to coach [Bruce] Pearl and his staff because they do a lot of switching on the fly. There is a lot of communication on the fly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250302_BUS_347054_Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-1024x576_835bd867.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bruce Pearl the head coach of the Auburn Tigers gives instructions to his team against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on March 01, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky." class="wp-image-347097" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/02153439/Bruce-Pearl-the-head-coach-of-the-Auburn-Tigers-gives-instructions-to-his-team-against-the-Kentucky.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bruce Pearl the head coach of the Auburn Tigers gives instructions to his team against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on March 01, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky. </figcaption></figure>



“Auburn played great basketball tonight,” Pope added. “They’ve been playing great basketball all season long. Bruce [Pearl] has done an unbelievable job, not just assembling, but growing and fitting together the pieces on their team. So, congratulations to them.”

Kentucky HC Mark Pope makes something clear about Auburn after deflating loss

NCAAB News: Kentucky star Otega Oweh drops honest confession after win over former school Oklahoma

NCAAB News: Kentucky HC Mark Pope drops strong statement about Auburn after heartbreaking loss - Bolavip US

Kentucky HC Mark Pope drops strong statement about Auburn

NCAAB News: Kentucky HC Mark Pope drops strong statement about Auburn after heartbreaking loss

Tempers flared during the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kentucky">Kentucky Wildcats</a> guard Otega Oweh’s return to Norman. The junior star in Lexington was the late hero as the visiting team played spoilers handing the Oklahoma Sooners a deflating 83-82 loss. After the buzzer went off, Oweh issued an honest admission.



Kentucky mustered a close, yet pivotal win, as they passed the .500 mark in a complex SEC schedule. The Wildcats have an overall <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> record of 19-9, yet their intra-conference fixture hasn’t been a walk in the park, whatsoever.



With an 8-7 SEC record and ranked number 17 in the nation, the Wildcats walked into Norman to face the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-sooners">Sooners</a>, a team that has struggled all season but aimed to build on their recent ranked win over Mississippi State.



Oweh’s return to his former campus was one of the biggest storylines ahead of tip-off, and the Kentucky transfer guard made sure <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> fans and students in Norman got their money’s worth.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250227_BUS_345188_Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-1024x576_6aa412c6.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-345195" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125408/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-shoots-the-ball-during-the-75-64-win-against-the-Tennessee-V.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Otega Oweh #00 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball during the 75-64 win against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 11, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.</figcaption></figure>



“Playing at this school before, and then having some teammates on the court too, so there was just a lot of emotion to it,” Otega Oweh stated postgame, per On3. “At the end of the day, you kind of have to take that emotion out of it and try and get the win. So that’s what I was really focusing on.“


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/ncaab-news-mark-pope-reveals-big-concern-after-loss-to-alabama"></div>


<h2>Business is business</h2>



Oweh did just that, dismantling the Sooners all night long with an incredible performance at Lloyd Noble Center. The Wildcats’ guard scored 28 points and, most importantly, drained the game-winning bucket with six seconds left on the clock.



“I feel like in the first half, I was kind of letting the game come to me and just letting everything play out,” Oweh continued. “But I wanted to be aggressive in the second half and just try to leave my imprint on both defense and offense.”



<h2>Postgame drama</h2>



The nail-biting ending had fans on the edge of their seats, if not standing, and the tension reached its pinnacle as a brawl broke out between the players after the final buzzer. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250227_BUS_345188_Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-1024x576_859cec60.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-345200" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27125547/Otega-Oweh-00-of-the-Kentucky-Wildcats-puts-up-a-first-half-shot-over-Jarin-Stevenson-15-of-the-Al.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Otega Oweh #00 of the Kentucky Wildcats puts up a first half shot over Jarin Stevenson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum on February 22, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.</figcaption></figure>



It appeared Oweh may have sparked the brawl after saying something to Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears during the handshake line. The ritual salute was cut short, and both teams ultimately headed to their locker rooms.



After back-to-back road games, Kentucky returns home for their highly anticipated marquee matchup against No. 1 Auburn at Rupp Arena on March 1st.

NCAAB News: Kentucky star Otega Oweh drops honest confession after win over former school Oklahoma - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats continue to tread water on the defensive end of the floor. That was evident again in their 96-83 loss to Alabama, and allowing almost 100 points a game will rarely get the job done in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



The Wildcats failed to contain Crimson Tide star Mark Sears on Saturday. He blew up for a whopping 30 points on 8-of-17 from the floor, adding four rebounds and four assists.



Alabama shot 52.5% from the floor and 35.5% from three-point territory in the win. That’s why coach Mark Pope acknowledged that they needed to tighten things up on defense. 



<h2>Mark Pope calls out Kentucky’s defense vs. Alabama</h2>



“Alabama is a terrific team and they put us in tough situations that we didn’t respond well to on the defensive end,” Pope said. “It’s a work in progress. This is growth, guys, we talk about this all the time. It’s fits and starts and this was not our best defensive performance tonight. Mark Sears had a lot to do with that and Alabama had a lot to do with that, and we had a lot to do with that.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250224_BUS_343317_Mark-Pope-1024x576_72325d21.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope" class="wp-image-285800" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kentucky head coach Mark Pope </figcaption></figure>



The coach acknowledged that this was the worst time of the year to have defensive miscues. Even so, he still believes his team can get it together on that end of the floor.



“We’re getting down into the stretch run and us getting better on this end of the ball is something that we’re obsessing about and we’re determined to do. If we do it well, then we’re going to have a good stretch,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


The Wildcats are dealing with some key injuries right now, and it might be a while before their starting guards return, so it’ll be interesting to see how they adjust to fix these woes.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals big concern after loss to Alabama

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals big concern after loss to Alabama - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats have been through a lot this season. The injury bug stung them in the worst possible way, and they’ve had several key contributors on the shelf.



Kerr Kriisa has been out since early December with a foot injury. Andrew Carr has struggled with back injuries, and Lamont Butler sustained a shoulder injury. On top of that, Jaxson Robinson has also been out with a wrist injury.



The team has only played seven games at full strength this season, and they’re currently playing without their two starting guards. Even so, coach Mark Pope has loved the way the rest of the team has responded, especially in the win over Vanderbilt.



<h2>Mark Pope raves about his ‘new’ team amid string of injuries</h2>



“I think (the win) should give our guys a lot of confidence,” the coach said. “I’m happy for our guys that they get this little injection of energy, positive energy. …We’ve got a brand-new team. Game one. We played well but we didn’t finish the way we wanted to. Game two we played really well. Now we’ve got the epic challenge of all challenges going to Alabama and seeing if we can deal with that insanity down there and it’s going to be fun and it’s fun to grow this group.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250221_BUS_340999_Jaxson-Robinson-1024x576_2eb6d949.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-314241" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/15152450/Jaxson-Robinson.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaxson Robinson #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats </figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, he would still most definitely rather have his team at full strength. He has a very talented team, and no coach wants to see his players get hurt.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Nevertheless, some teams find a sense of resiliency in adversity. This isn’t ideal, and it wasn’t a part of the equation, but it might be bringing the best out of his players.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope explains how injuries have made Kentucky better

NCAAB News: Mark Pope explains how injuries have made Kentucky better - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats were in desperate need of a win after consecutive setbacks. It wouldn’t be easy, though, as they would host the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rupp Arena.



Fortunately for them, backup freshman Trent Noah gave them a strong push off the bench. While his numbers didn’t point out, he made high-IQ plays on both ends, and he scored five consecutive points down the stretch to seal the win.



That’s why Wildcats coach Mark Pope made sure to give him his flowers. Following the game, Pope gushed about Noah’s energy and how infectious it was for the team.



<h2>Mark Pope raves about Trent Noah</h2>



“I thought Trent was really solid,” the coach said. “I thought he was really really solid. His energy never wavers, and that’s a real gift as a coach trying to piece together a game to know you know exactly what you are going to get when you put Trent on the floor. That includes some young mistakes and includes some places where he’s uncomfortable (…) But his energy is always the same. It’s always the same every day in practice. And his focus is always the same and he’s been a real gift.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_333923_Mark-Pope-1-1024x576_ea7a928e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-289786" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope</figcaption></figure>



Despite being on the floor for just 13 minutes on Saturday, Noah was quite a catalyst on both ends of the floor for his team, even though it didn’t necessarily reflect on the stat sheet.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


The freshman finished the game with five points, five rebounds, one assist, and one three-pointer, playing within his role and making the winning plays that often go unnoticed.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals Kentucky’s secret weapon

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals Kentucky's secret weapon - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats are transitioning into a new era under Mark Pope. Even so, they’re still a blue-collar program, and, as such, they’re expected to compete at the highest level.



That’s why it’s been so frustrating to watch them get off to slow starts and dig themselves into big holes to start games. They’ve been able to recover at times, but they’ve made it difficult on themselves.



The Wildcats have trailed at halftime eight times this season, sometimes by as many as 16 points. That’s why Coach Pope knows they need to start with more energy.



<h2>Mark Pope talks about Kentucky’s slow starts</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Kind of the flow of the game, I thought we were solid. We were really solid,” Pope said after the loss to Vanderbilt. “(Number) one (Jason Edwards) got going early, but aside from that, we were really solid kind of on both ends of the floor and the game had a flow to it. … I wasn’t disappointed with how it got started, I thought there was good focus. I wish we had an answer to (number) one earlier, but the flow of the game was still okay.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250128_BUS_323366_Mark-Pope1-1024x576_e04576e8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope" class="wp-image-285801" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope didn t produce an NBA draft pick during his nine combined seasons as the head coach at Utah Valley and BYU. (Ryan C. Hermens Lexington Herald-Leader TNS</figcaption></figure>



The coach went on to claim that his team looked a little tired there. He also thinks they lacked focus, and gave the winners a lot of credit for the way they made the most of that:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We haven’t started slow, it’s that second 10 minutes of the first half that has plagued us a little bit,” Pope said. “I think we get a little fatigued. We’re really — our bench is a little bit disintegrated, so we’ve got some fatigue out there. That’s an issue. Maybe some focus issues, some credit to Vanderbilt for turning up the heat.”</blockquote>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


The Wildcats have gone 4-4 in games they’ve trailed at halftime, and that’s not what championship-caliber teams do. That’s going to be a worrisome trend going forward.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope makes worrisome admission about Kentucky Wildcats

NCAAB News: Mark Pope makes worrisome admission about Kentucky Wildcats - Bolavip US

Losing John Calipari was considered to be a big blow to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kentucky" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kentucky</a> Wildcats. However, even if they’re not the team to beat anymore, they’re still doing better than Arkansas.



More than that, Mark Pope deserves a lot of credit for what he’s done. He built a team entirely off of the transfer portal, and while they might not be as talented as other teams, they’ve still fared well.



When asked about that, Coach Pope raved about his players and how much they’re eager to get better, ask questions, and constantly pursue improvement and growth. 



<h2>Mark Pope lauds Kentucky’s players’ determination to learn </h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“You know you’re really blessed as a coach when you have great students. What I mean by that is our guys want to learn. When we point our guys in a direction, our guys go. Like, it’s unbelievable. That sounds so simple, but it actually doesn’t happen in basketball with very many teams,” Pope.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250118_BUS_315603_Mark-Pope-1024x576_1b48496b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315500" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103750/Mark-Pope.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats </figcaption></figure>



The coach raved about his players’ focus. He believes that has been the key behind their development and continuous improvement throughout the course of the season:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“When our guys dig in and focus, it might not be an immediate payoff in a day, but over the course of a week or two weeks or a month, these guys — every single time, they’ve kind of answered the bell, and actually got better,” he continued.</blockquote>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


All in all, the Wildcats could’ve still done a little better. They went 1-1 vs. Georgia and Mississippi State last week, which is why they fell in the AP rankings from No. 6 to No. 8.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope explains what makes this Kentucky team so unique

NCAAB News: Mark Pope explains what makes this Kentucky team so unique - Bolavip US

Latest news from Kentucky. Find out about all the news related to Kentucky on bolavip.com/en

Kentucky - Page 3