What is making Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope sad and what makes his wife Leanne mad?

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is cherishing every moment with his Wildcats this season, but his joy comes with a tinge of sadness. After an exhilarating victory, Pope shared a heartfelt sentiment that shows just how much he loves this team.

“It’s a really fun team to coach,” Pope said. “The only sad thing for me is we only get 17 more of these. I already get sad thinking that we only get to do this 17 more times in this regular season. So, we are going to try to enjoy every second of it.”

For Pope, the thought of the season flying by too quickly is a bittersweet reality. Coaching a team as talented, hardworking, and cohesive as this year’s Wildcats is clearly something he treasures. Partly because nearly every one of them will be moving to the next level.

What makes Leanne mad?

Pope’s emotions during the postgame didn’t stop at sentimentality—he also brought humor into the mix by referencing his wife. In breaking down the game’s analytics, Pope marveled at his team’s efficiency against an elite defensive opponent.

“You know, our guys, we hung in there is probably the best way we can say it—we hung in there,” Pope began. “Also, the last six games, the number one analytical half-court defense in the entire country and our guys were 25 assists and six turnovers. Like that number, guys, I was going to say breathtaking, but Leanne gets mad at me when I say breathtaking. That number is insane. Twenty-five assists, six turnovers against the number one defensive team in the half-court in the country over the last six games, that’s crazy.”

Enjoying the Journey

Pope’s appreciation for this team resonates with Big Blue Nation. His ability to connect with his players, cherish their success, and find joy even in the fleeting nature of the season shows why he’s the perfect fit for Kentucky basketball.

As the Wildcats continue their quest for an SEC title and beyond, Pope’s combination of humility, humor, and high expectations is setting the tone. While he may only have 17 regular-season games left to coach this group, you can bet he’ll make the most of every second and hope there are at least 6 more to go in the NCAA tournament.