Mark Pope is usually the last guy to leave Rupp Arena. He stays for every media question. He signs autographs for fans. He talks to the radio crew until they cut the mic. He sometimes even buys ice cream for everyone who is still there. But tonight, he had somewhere much more important to be.
Immediately after Kentucky’s 94-78 win over Oklahoma, Pope took the podium for a quick 30-second opening statement before handing the microphone to assistant coach Jason Hart.
"He's going to give you way better answers than me," Pope joked. "My daughter lands in 23 minutes... It's 22 minutes until Avery lands. I'm out, guys."
Pope’s daughter, Avery, has been away on a church mission for the past 15 months. She had a medical scare last September but came through "as salty" as ever, according to coach Pope.
For a coach who preaches family and connection within his program, tonight was a literal example of practicing what you preach. The game was important; he was there, and the press conference was important too. But getting to the airport to hug his daughter for the first time in over a year was the only priority once the final buzzer sounded.
Jason Hart on Collin Chandler’s surge
While Pope was racing to the airport, Jason Hart broke down the play of Collin Chandler, who poured in 18 points on 4-of-8 shooting from deep.
Hart credits Chandler’s recent tear to finally getting his "legs back" after his own two-year mission trip.
"He's a prime example of believing in coach Pope's system," Hart said. "This is his second year [back from mission], he's real comfortable. He's grown, he's matured... I'm just happy the world gets to see Collin Chandler playing at a high level. We need him."
The stat of the night
Mark Pope has obsessed over the assist-to-turnover ratio all season, and tonight was a masterpiece. Kentucky dished out 21 assists while committing only 6 turnovers. It was a stat line that Hart, a former NBA floor general, couldn't help but smile at.
"I'm a point guard, so I keep those turnovers," Hart said. "If we take care of the ball, it gives ourselves a chance to win... Those six turnovers are huge for us."
Shooting the 3 at 46% won't hurt either, but those nights are not common. Hustle, fight, and rebounding all can be. For this team to reach their goals, they have to be.