Mark Pope is a forward-thinking man; he tries not to dwell too much on the past. When a reporter asked him about Matt Painter saying the NCAA Tournament is like finals in college, Pope went on a long diatribe that ended with something you have to read.
"I think he said that a couple days ago, and it's nice. And so sometimes you can get distracted by all the really important stuff... Who wants to do that? Like, don't miss the tournament, man. Don't miss these last five games, the regular season. Don't miss your last game at Rupp. Don't miss the SEC tournament in our beloved Nashville. Don't miss the NCAA tournament because that's the stuff that actually separates you. A couple dollars doesn't separate you. The next school doesn't separate you. Like what separates you is what you do right now, and it doesn't guarantee you results, but man, don't miss putting your whole heart into it, what a shame. So, we talk about that as a staff also. We have a job to do. We can do that in the other, you know, the other 45 minutes available out of 24 hours, but right now it's about like how are we going to go win? Like our players deserve that. We deserve that. You know, we are exactly where we are, and we're in the best time of the year."
March is the 'Best time of the year'
There is no better time of the year if you are a sports fan. March Madness is the one event that gets nearly everyone excited. Not even the Super Bowl can touch the excitement of filling out your bracket and trying to beat your friends or your office. But Pope's point is not to get caught up in the ending so much that you miss the ride.
It has been a frustrating ride as a Kentucky fan. There have been moments where I couldn't predict which team was going to come out of a timeout, let alone from game to game. I am sure that is incredibly frustrating as a coach as well. But Mark sees the bigger picture again.
It's not the money, it's not the NBA, it's not the next stop that these guys and fans need to be focused on; it needs to be this team, this moment, and the next game. If the players can do it, there is still time to make this a special season.
If they don't, then it will be like the rest of the season has been, a roller coaster that leaves a lot to be desired. We will find out soon if they can.