Ever wondered why Mark Pope wore number 41? Wonder no more
Mark Pope wore No. 32 at Washington for the first years of his college career. When he transferred to Kentucky, he switched to No. 41, and the reason is steeped in both faith and symbolism.
On Eye on College Basketball, Pope explained: “My good friend Darrell Bevel used to talk about Pete Carroll’s belief that there’s always something great just around the corner, just keep going. I believe there’s joy in the morning. That’s the gospel.”
Pope then tied the number to biblical milestones:
- Noah’s flood it rained for 40 days non-stop then on day 41, it stopped.
- The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness wondering, and in year 41 they entered the Promised Land.
- Jesus spent 40 days fasting, and on day 41 He began His ministry.
- After Jesus' resurrection He spent 40 days on Earth, day 41 He returned to His Father.
The message so simple, yet so powerful, “When you get to 40 dont quit man, get to 41. So I love the number.” Pope said. There will be joy in the morning indeed.
The number has kept showing up in his career. He won his first game as Kentucky head coach aginst Wright State by 41. Koby Brea was drafted 41st by the Suns to cap off the year. 41 just keeps showing up.
For Pope, it’s more than a jersey number though, it’s a reminder to keep pushing for what’s just ahead. That no matter how dark the night is, daylight is just around the corner.
Pope preaches to never give in, and to never give up, because something good is just around the corner if you keep fighting. He really believes that, and he really instills that in his teams. Last year down big to Gonzaga and Duke at half-time they fought back to win both games. That kind of faith is contagious, and something that you can never have enough of.
WIth Mark Pope at the helm Kentucky has no worry of losing it anytime soon.