Mark Pope has spent much of his first full offseason at Kentucky making headlines with new additions, high-profile transfers, and international recruiting. But ask him what excites him most?
It’s not who’s coming. It’s who’s staying.
“I’m so excited about our returners,” Pope told CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. “The thought of actually having some continuity, where when we step on the practice floor for the first time in mid-June, that we’re gonna have some guys that know our terminology — and not just some guys, but some elite, elite-level veteran talent.”
🧠 Continuity Is the secret weapon
Pope called continuity “a key to big success,” especially in a read-based system where players are empowered to make decisions on the fly.
“There’s nothing like getting older with your own guys, right?” Pope said. “And the second thing is, my guys, traditionally, my guys (in their) second year take a massive leap.”
He has proof. Jaxson Robinson averaged just 8.5 points per game in his first season under Pope at BYU, but jumped to 14.2 as a Sixth Man of the Year the next year. That’s the blueprint Pope hopes to replicate in Lexington.
🔄 Returners poised for breakout seasons
If Otega Oweh returns from testing the NBA Draft waters, he’ll join Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Trent Noah as Kentucky’s four returners. And Pope is bullish on all of them.
🏀 Brandon Garrison: A future star
“Brandon Garrison, man, he’s shown even in this young offseason, he is hungry right now,” Pope said. “He’s a McDonald’s All-American who had an unbelievable first year at Oklahoma State… and I think he’s ready to emerge as a superstar.”
Pope praised Garrison’s work ethic and focus, hinting that the sophomore big man could become a cornerstone piece this season.
🚀 Collin Chandler: Big jump incoming
“I expect Collin Chandler to take a massive jump,” Pope said. “He showed huge strides in the last month of the season, and he’s got limitless capacity to be really special.”
Chandler ended the season strong and is one of Pope’s most trusted returners. His combination of athleticism and decision-making makes him an ideal fit in Pope’s flowing, player-led offense.
💪 Trent Noah: Kentucky toughness
“This Trent Noah is a baller, okay?” Pope said. “He’s going to bring over the next seasons… incredible physicality and skill and toughness that’s going to make everybody here proud.”
The Eastern Kentucky native has impressed early with his effort, toughness, and IQ — traits Pope values highly.
🧠 Player-led basketball
One of Pope’s philosophies is empowering players to lead on the floor — not micromanaging from the sidelines.
“We’re such a read-based offense, and in parts defense, where our guys are the deciders on the floor,” Pope explained. “They’re not looking over at me. We coach them to coach each other and communicate with each other.”
That’s where continuity shines. With a year of experience under their belts, Pope believes his returners won’t just run the system — they’ll manipulate it creatively.
“Now you’re coming in not to learn the game or do the game, but you come in actually starting to play the game… and that’s where the game gets incredibly fun.”
🌱 What It means for Kentucky
The 2025-26 roster may have new faces, but Pope’s focus on player development and culture is built around returners like Garrison, Chandler, and Noah.
Their growth could be the difference between a competitive season and a championship run.
If Oweh returns to round out the core? Look out. Kentucky will have not just talent, but familiarity — and that’s where winning starts.