Mark Pope understood the comparisons he would face at Kentucky as successor to John Calipari, who led the Wildcats to a national title and some of their most fruitful years before his tenure soured in recent years.
But Pope, who was hired in April from BYU following Calipari's departure for Arkansas, said Tuesday that while he respects Calipari's legacy, he can only win if he is authentic in his approach to the job.
“Well, all I know is [Calipari] “He's one of the best coaches that's ever coached here,” Pope said Tuesday at a news conference in Lexington. “I mean, he went to four Final Fours in five years and coached a million draft picks and represented Kentucky very, very well and gave his heart and soul to this place. Like [Big Blue Nation]and I am also a member of [Big Blue Nation] Like anyone, we will all be forever grateful to him. And he's a Hall of Fame coach.
“But one of the things you learn early on if you have great mentors in this sport is that you just have to train yourself. I have to be me. I can't be me.” [Rick Pitino]I can not be [Tubby Smith]I can not be [Calipari]”.
In his first season, Pope will draw on a fleet of transfers, including former San Diego State star Lamont Butler and former BYU standout Jaxson Robinson, to lead the Wildcats through an SEC roster loaded with national title contenders, including Calipari's Razorbacks.
But Pope said he won't do it by emulating Calipari or other great coaches who have led Kentucky in the past.
“It would be fake and my guys wouldn't really believe it if I tried to adopt that persona or personality or even approach the game,” Pope said. “It's us… I'm a big believer in what we do and I love our staff. I think right now we're trying to do everything we can to build on this incredible legacy that is Kentucky basketball and do it the way we know how to do it and We really think it's going to work.”
Kentucky will face Arkansas just once this season, and the game will be played at Rupp Arena. Pope said Calipari has been a big help during his transition despite any animosity that may linger between the fan base and the former Wildcats coach.
“[Calipari] “He's been super generous,” Pope said. “I've had the opportunity to talk to him several times. He's always been generous. Throughout my entire career, he's been great to me. But when you take on this job, it's unique. We have to do this the best way we can.” we can.”
