In an increasingly data-driven world, Mark Pope, known for his appreciation of analytics, shares a refreshing perspective: numbers are powerful teachers, but they don't dictate strategy. You have some who rely only on analytics, think Moneyball and Billy Beane. No matter what your gut says, you listen to the numbers. On the other hand, you have Mark Stoops who really doesn't know what to do and just aimlessly has different strategies each week. Then you have Bill Belichick who is gut driven when it comes to decision making.
For Kentucky basketball, it's about using data to inform, but not to replace, critical thinking and coaching instincts.
Analytics: A great teacher, but not a "sure thing"
Pope views analytics as a valuable tool for learning, but he cautions against over-reliance. "I love the numbers because they can be great teachers," he explained, "but the numbers also you can you can cook the books in a million different ways... you can actually manufacture the numbers to say whatever you want them to say." He emphasizes that college basketball's "sample sizes never get big enough to make it a sure thing or completely reliable."
That is a key point, because over time the data becomes more and more consistent. But with only 40 games a season, and so much movement, sometimes data can be misleading.
Asking questions, not following rules
For Pope, analytics primarily serve to provoke deeper inquiry, which is exactly what you want. "Analytics are really there to make you ask more questions," he stated clearly. He rejects the idea of it being a rigid guide: "it is not a rulebook. It's not a if I think if you use it that way, you're... changing all the other aspects of the game."
So, with Pope the numbers provide a starting point but it is the discerning eye of the head coach that gives the final decision. But there are certain things that make that decision a much easier one.
Jaland Lowe's example: Finding opportunity in the data
Pope illustrated his approach with Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe, highlighting how analytics identified an area for massive improvement. Despite lower shooting percentages, a "shot quality metric" revealed Low was taking shots in the "bottom 20% of shot quality numbers." This wasn't about a lack of skill but a need for a new approach. "We love when we see things like that because those are things that it it doesn't depend on increased skill... It just it just relies on a new understanding, a new style of play, maybe a new environment," Pope noted. This analytical insight promises "quick, huge, massive changes" for Lowe's efficiency.
Lowe last year shot 37.6% overall 26.6% from deep, but 88.6% from the free throw line. That kind of shooting split doesn't make a lot of sense, until you look at the data above. If Jaland is taking some of the worst shots in college basketball, it is only expected he is going to miss more. Coming to Kentucky, he will take better shots and his percentages will increase.
Balance of instinct and data
While leveraging data, Pope still values intangible qualities like fearlessness and the ability to create shots. These elements, combined with analytical insights, form a holistic approach to player development and game strategy. His philosophy is a blend: numbers to inform, human elements to execute and inspire.
Conclusion: The art and science of coaching
Mark Pope's perspective on analytics at Kentucky is a balanced one. He embraces data as a powerful educational tool to ask critical questions and unlock potential, but he firmly believes that coaching remains an art, requiring instinct, human connection, and a deep understanding of the game beyond mere statistics.
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