Kentucky basketball has found real value in foreign tours over the years. They give teams space to breathe, bond, and actually become a team. Something that matters more than ever in the NIL era, where rosters are rebuilt almost from scratch every season.
It sounds like Mark Pope wants to lean into that idea in year 3.
Mark Pope has an “epic” idea
“We do have something in the works,” Pope said. “We have a group that’s come to us and invited us on what I think would be an epic foreign tour. So we’re in the works of trying to see if that can become a reality.”
That’s easier said than done. These trips come with a mountain of red tape. There is NCAA approval, visas, scheduling, and logistics. A lot of young players probably don't have their passports, and that could be an issue, too. It’s a lot of legwork. But Pope didn’t sound intimidated by the process, and believes it will benefit this team next year.
He also didn’t downplay why these trips are so valuable.
“It’s so good for teams,” Pope said. “It’s an unbelievable experience for these young people. It helps bind your team together, so we’re excited about it.”
Foreign tours have been kind to Kentucky in the past
Kentucky has gone this route before. Foreign tours in 2014, 2018, and 2022 all paid dividends, and NCAA rules allow programs to take one every four years. That window is opening again for the Wildcats, which means this isn’t just talk; if all goes well, the Cats will be playing over the summer.
As for where they might go, Europe is the obvious basketball answer, especially with Kentucky increasingly involved in overseas recruiting. The practical answer, though, could be somewhere easier. Places like Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, or the U.S. Virgin Islands eliminate passport issues and streamline travel while still offering the same bonding benefits.
Wherever it ends up, the takeaway is simple: Pope is looking for ways to build something beyond practice reps and film sessions. With this year's team struggling to play together, an extra month of practice and games would have been really beneficial.