The Kentucky fanbase didn't need much on Sunday to get fired up about Mark Pope and the next step of the basketball program. But, his introduction didn't disappoint.
Pope made sure this moment wasn't strictly about him, however. As a former player who has been very outspoken with his love for the Kentucky program, Pope made sure this moment was about bringing the entire fanbase together.
So, it only made sense for him to make his intro with a few teammates ... and some hardware. Pope was a captain for the Kentucky 1996 National Championship and on Sunday, the entire 1996 team showed up inside Rupp Arena in a bus together.
One by one, former players exited the bus until Pope emerged hoisting the 1996 trophy in his hands.
Possibly the most badass entrance ever into Rupp Arena.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) April 14, 2024
The 1996 Kentucky championship team walks out of the bus, with new coach Mark Pope hoisting the trophy.
Welcome home Coach! pic.twitter.com/uKgxDkHqlm
Pope was hired to bring the fans together, but more importantly, restore some of the tradition and history that had been forgotten at times over the last few year.
“The University of Kentucky is the pinnacle of coaching in college basketball. It’s the definition of blueblood program where hanging a banner is the expectation ever year,” Pope said in the official release of his hire. “Equally as important, UK changed my life forever as a human being. The love and passion I have for this program, this University and the people of the Commonwealth goes to the depth of my soul."
Pope has made it a point of emphasis to restore the great and lengthy tradition of Kentucky basketball moving forward.
What better way to do that then usher in his tenure the way he did ... championship trophy and all.