Ready to learn all about Mark Pope?
Matt Norlander recently put Mark Pope through a rapid-fire Q&A, and the answers gave a perfect snapshot of the man leading Kentucky basketball.
Harder now to play at Kentucky or 30 years ago?
“Which is harder — social media or Coach Pitino? Coach Pitino, no doubt.”
Recruiting now vs. a decade ago?
“Better.”
Hardest part of being Kentucky’s head coach?
“It’s also the best part… I love Team of Rivals — just finished it. President Abraham Lincoln tells his wife, ‘I am now public property.’” Team of Rivals: The Political Genuis of Abraham Lincoln is by Doris Kearns Goodwin, if you want to read it too.
Favorite athlete at 15?
Sebastian Coe, British 800m runner who had the World Record for 16 years.
Describe the feeling when you walk into a basketball gym:
“Juice.”
If I walked through the front door of your house would it reveal your profession, and what would I see?
“No. You’d have no idea. A giant fireplace.”
Best vacation in the last 10 years:
Switzerland.
Place you haven’t visited but want to:
New Zealand.
Why not grow your hair out?
“One less decision I have to make every day.”
Pairs of shoes owned:
“Probably 100.”
Tougher after a bad loss — locker room or media?
“Locker room, for sure.”
Best meal you can cook:
“A great salad.”
Best talker on this year’s team:
Jaland Lowe.
One snap-of-a-finger change:
“I wish I could sing.”
Memory of being offered the Kentucky job:
“My daughters were scattered — Leeann was in Houston — special conversations with each of them I’ll never forget.”
Worst texter among SEC coaches:
“Rick Barnes.”
Most interesting teammate ever:
“Anthony Mason… Fred Hoiberg…”
First concert:
Garth Brooks.
How much non-game content do you consume (X, social media, articles)?
“A lot.”
Word association — Kentucky:
“Home.”
Rapid-fire, but packed with personality — exactly what Kentucky fans love to hear.