Kentucky’s practices look different this season and Mark Pope says it’s no accident. This year the team has so many players than can play so many different positions.
He explained that last year’s injury-plagued, thin roster made competitive practices impossible.
“We couldn't do that last year,” Pope said. “We were so down on bodies last year that we could basically go good against coaches was kind of how it felt most of the second half of the season.” Lamont Butler was hurt most of the second half of the season, Jaxson Robinson was lost towards the end of the season, Kerr Kriisa was gone before conference play, and Andrew Carr dealt with back issues. So, you can see how practice was going to be hard.
That’s no longer the case. Now the Wildcats have size, depth, physicality, and interchangeable lineups. The result?
Kentucky basketball practice is finally 'fun' again
“Practice is so fun,” Pope said. “Like it gets salty and competitive and guys get angry and it's it's actually fun.”
In other words, the iron is finally sharpening iron. That is how good players and good teams become great.
“I knew that we wanted to be able to go good verse good,” he said. “Our practices are high level and elite and our guys are getting better and that'll that'll come through as we get through the season.” The only way to get better is to go against guys that are better than you. That means both of you will be trying to up your game to get the playing time.
This team’s identity is being forged behind closed doors, and Pope loves what he’s seeing. So should you.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion