Tim Duncan is on the Mount Rushmore of NBA big men. A five-time champion, two-time MVP, and 15-time All-Star, "The Big Fundamental" was known for his quiet dominance and, more importantly, his cerebral approach to the game. So when a coach compares a young player to him, it’s about more than just talent—it’s about their mind. And that is a great thing.
The chess match and the 'hum'
During a conversation with Jeff Goodman of Field of 68, Kentucky coach Mark Pope gave a fascinating insight into the mind of his sophomore center, Jayden Quaintance, by drawing that exact comparison.
The conversation started when Goodman mentioned that Quaintance would regularly beat Pope in a game of chess. Pope’s face lit up as he equated Quaintance's approach to the quiet mental warfare of Tim Duncan. He explained that during their chess matches, Quaintance has a unique tell that he can't stand hearing.
"He would be playing about an hour so and then he would just hum, not like a song or anything but just a 'mmmmmm'," Pope described. "And he would start panicking because he knew he had found something."
A window into a champion's mind
That quiet confidence and methodical dismantling of an opponent is what made Duncan a legend. NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett often spoke about how Duncan’s subtle jabs like "Got you" were more infuriating than any trash talk because they were clinical and cold. And there was a sense of I am not giving you anything to get going, but I want you to know I am rolling.
This story reveals the essence of what makes Mark Pope a special coach. He takes the time to sit down with his players for an hour to play chess, learning how their minds work. It also highlights what separates the good players from the truly great ones. The mental side of the game—the strategy, the foresight, the psychological edge—is often more important than physical gifts. If Jayden Quaintance possesses a mind that operates on the same level as a legend like Tim Duncan, then Kentucky doesn’t just have a star on its hands; they have a winner.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion