Mark Pope talked to the media Thursday afternoon to preview the matchup against Arkansas this Saturday. He repeatedly called it a “special moment” that would be filled with drama and spectacle as Calipari returns to the building he coached for fifteen seasons. The injury update was short but disappointing as Carr is still day-to-day and Lamont Butler has not been cleared to practice, but Pope went into great detail on other aspects of the matchup.
The Cats got New Sneakers
Pope started his press conference by showing off the new shoes he will be wearing for this weekend’s game against Arkansas. A student organization called DanceBlue is most known for hosting a 24-hour dance marathon which raised over two million dollars for pediatric cancer last year, but this year they added a special experience for the kids. “We got to spend some time with some young cancer patients painting these shoes,” Pope said as he showed off his pair with a huge smile.
Pope was in Cal’s Spot
“It was unbelievable,” Pope recalled of his time returning to Rupp as the coach of Utah Valley. “To come in here as a visiting coach was super powerful for me, it was very [teaching] and telling because I can relate to the experience that walks into this gym to coach.” He talks about feeling the “history and tradition” of the arena and says “there’s nothing like” the Big Blue Nation. Obviously, Pope and Utah Valley came to Lexington under different circumstances than Calipari and Arkansas will be on Saturday, but it was cool to see Pope light up talking about being the opponent in Rupp Arena.
“What I really like is this here on the sole, it’s actually very cool. It’s got all eight championships and in true fashion… this is 25 with a question mark.” Other members of UK’s team will be wearing shoes designed by patients and each pair will be auctioned off after the game with the proceeds going towards cancer research. This is part of the Coaches vs. Cancer “Suits and Sneakers Week” as they continue to bring awareness to the need for cancer research funding.
Former Cats
Pope was asked about a number of former Cats making their return to Rupp Arena. He described Adou Thiero as a “monster” that is “devastating physically playing with such an incredible intensity and motor.” He raved about the defensive ability and versatility Thiero provides the Razorbacks as the scrawny three-star has developed into the All-SEC physical freak we hoped he would become in blue and white.
Zvonimir Ivisic will also be returning to Rupp Arena for the first time since transferring out of Lexington this offseason. “Clearly I liked him a lot more than he liked me. He’s a terrific talent.” Pope talked about how good of a kid he was and how much he enjoyed getting to know him before describing him as a “top ten rim protector in the country which is incredible, and he’s shooting 40% from the three-point line.” As for the rest of the Arkansas team, Pope says they are exceptional at guarding the three and protecting the rim which will present a challenge for the system Kentucky runs.
Photo Credits to Zach Geoghegan of KSR.
