Former Kentucky coach Tubby Smith knows a thing or two about pressure, and about leading the Wildcats with dignity and success. That’s why his recent comments about Mark Pope resonated so deeply with Big Blue Nation.
'I’m always pulling for Kentucky'
“I’m so impressed with the character of the men that are leading our Kentucky Wildcats,” Smith told Sources Say ahead of Big Blue Madness. “I say ‘our,’ because Kentucky is where I spent most of my time… I’m always pulling for Kentucky, and I’m pulling for Coach Brooks and Coach Pope.”
Smith praised Pope’s ability to build culture, teach, and connect, all qualities that defined Tubby’s own tenure. “It’s a genuine 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year job,” Smith said. “You can’t change who you are. You may adapt, but you have to be yourself.”
A nod to last season's resilience
He also reflected on Pope’s inaugural season, one that ended just shy of expectations but showcased resilience. “Getting past the second round, that alone with nine new players… if the kids don’t get hurt, he probably wins the league.”
Smith pointed to the injuries to key players as major disruptions to Kentucky’s rhythm. And he is right, losing Jaxson Robinson late in the year really hurt the scoring and spacing Kentucky could play with. Lamont Butler was never the same after injuring his shoulder, and his back up Kerr Krissa didn't play after December.
A message of trust
His overall tone was one of confidence: “Believe. Trust the system. Anticipate, on and off the court.”
Coming from a national champion, that’s no small endorsement. Pope’s Kentucky may look different from Smith’s, but the message is the same: play for each other, stay authentic, and never forget what the jersey means.
We know the end of the Tubby era got ugly, but he and Donna both were great ambassador's for doing things the right way. Kentucky is grateful to have had Tubby, and it sounds like Tubby is grateful for Kentucky too.
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