Most coaches like to ease into a season. Mark Pope prefers a firestorm. And BBN is loving it.
In a move that speaks volumes about his philosophy, Kentucky will face No. 1 Purdue in an exhibition at Rupp Arena, the first time in school history the Wildcats will face the top-ranked team before the season officially begins.
The ultimate preseason test
“We put the schedule together to ease our way in,” Pope joked, “and somehow we ended up with the number one team in the country.”
For Pope, it’s not about results, it’s about data. He called the matchup “a gift,” a chance to test his roster against experience and precision. The more you can learn early, the better you can correct issues as they come up as the season goes on.
It's not a gamble, it's a gift
“Purdue’s not just the number one team,” Pope said. “They’re the most well-prepared, most well-coached, most experienced team in the country. To get that kind of information before the season starts is invaluable.”
Beyond the basketball, it’s a statement. Kentucky isn’t hiding from expectations. They’re embracing them. Pope sees value in discomfort, in throwing his team into deep water before the games count.
He can learn where his team is, and where he needs to put in work. To be able to self-scout and really see the trends for a data driven coach like Mark Pope.
A perfect measuring stick
And he’s right. Facing Braden Smith and a veteran Purdue squad is the perfect measuring stick for his new-look Wildcats. Win or lose, Kentucky will walk away with a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. They will know a lot more about themselves than they could have learned against directional state.
As Pope said there will be moments where you "shake your head in disbelief," and some we’ll say, ‘that was amazing.’”
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