Wildcat Blue Nation
Fansided

Does Mark Pope’s niceness cost Kentucky basketball big calls?

Mark Pope is a very humble, thoughtful, smart individual. He trusts his numbers and he watches the games intently. Fans want him to "work" the refs more to get the calls like Nate Oats and others. Is he too nice?
ByDrew Holbrook|
Jan 14, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope reacts to the action during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Jan 14, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope reacts to the action during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Kentucky basketball’s 96-83 loss to No. 4 Alabama at Coleman Coliseum left Big Blue Nation stewing—not just over the score, but the whistle. Alabama’s Mark Sears went 11-for-11 from the free-throw line alone, while Kentucky shot 14-of-20 as a team, fueling whispers among fans that coach Mark Pope’s calm sideline presence might be costing the Wildcats calls. It has been brewing all season as BBN has asked for more fire from their head man. With a 7-7 SEC record and four games left, we dive into a question buzzing through BBN: Is Pope too nice to sway refs, unlike the clipboard-chucking Nate Oats or the stomping, tech-taking John Calipari? Watch as this ref basically stalks Mark Pope.

Calm restraint showing Pope's niceness

Pope’s post-game presser was vintage restraint: “Really disappointing outcome. Congratulations to Alabama. They’re a terrific team,” he said, per ESPN, even as Alabama’s 21-25 free-throw edge loomed large. Contrast that with Oats, who’s been known to hurl clipboards— just last week vs. Missouri, video below.

Or Calipari, whose screaming fits and two-tech ejection vs. South Carolina in 2016 (CBS Sports) became Kentucky lore. BBN sees these antics as part of the game, a way to fire up the team and nudge refs. Many believe that Pope’s even-keel style lacks the edge to sway zebras. Check out the video of the questionable calls from the Alabama game and decide for yourself:

Fans aren’t wrong about the optics—Most coaches will go toe to toe with a referee and often times take a technical foul just to make a point. Pope, though? Two techs at BYU—and despite Kentucky being on the rough end of the whistle, none this year. Here Pope explains why he doesn't "work" the refs.

Big blue nation demands more

BBN’s love for fire isn’t just nostalgia—fans see it as strategy. Pope’s too nice—refs walk all over us is the sentiment a lot of fans seem to have right now. Oats’ clipboard smashes and Calipari’s tantrums signal fight—Pope’s stoic nod doesn’t in fans eyes. Yet, his demeanor’s a deliberate shift: “This is growth, fits and starts,” he told reporters, focusing on execution over antics. Kentucky’s 85.8 PPG (No. 3 nationally) shows he can coach, but with a 2-6 road mark and refs favoring Alabama’s aggression, BBN wonders if Pope’s polish leaves calls on the table.

Case in point, watch Nate Oats get this call as the ref only calls it after he screams at him:

For wildcatbluenation.com readers, it’s a debate—does Pope’s calm cost Kentucky basketball, or is BBN just reaching? The stretch run looms, and refs won’t care about nice guys.

Home/Kentucky basketball