Pope should change his name to Mark Coach, damn, I wanna buy a basketball, trade in my work boots, and work on my transition 3’s and defense after I listen to a Coach Pope presser. I hate that I ever doubted the hire, his heart is in KY and his minds on UK, the way it should be. KY don’t have a big NBA or NFL team, UK basketball is our NBA team, that’s why it’s so special to UK fans and the state. Coach Pope is exactly where he’s supposed to be at exactly the right time.
@@Beef_BoloneyIf Pope Mark Coach asked me to follow him into battle I would only have 2 questions. 1) how many are there and 2) are WE GONNA HAVE ENOUGH TOE TAGS FOR THE UNLUCKY SONSOFBITCHES!!!
Ky doesn't want to win games we want to win championships we are tired of watching Connecticut, Duke, Kansas and North Carolina winning the title instead Cal was worried about how many players he put in the NBA. Cal never talked about winning championships!!!
I'm a razorback and what you said about cal I disagree with you . Yes I'm tired of those powerhouse ball clubs . We have good teams in our conference. I'm sure they can get the best of them .
As a Kentucky fan im excited about this team and that's the first time I've felt like this in a while they are fun to watch and play well together and i think it's because of all the veterans we have and we are not used to having that on a coach cal team
I'll be honest. Davis would be a much better fit in Popes offense. I believe now that kids are seeing Popes offense, who wouldn't want to play for him? It's very fun to watch them play. Plus, he's a great coach who is very intelligent. Kentucky is the winner when it comes to coaches IMO
Calipari was my choice when they hired Billy Gillispie. So, I was excited when UK hired him. Early on, I noticed he was hard headed and didn't adjust. That first team he had should have won it all, but they started jacking up 3s instead of getting it in to Cousins. Looking back, Cal got lucky in 2012. He got two freak of nature athletes in Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist. Teague ended up being a solid point guard. Also, Terrance Jones and Doron Lamb stayed due to uncertainty about an NBA lockout. Darius Miller, who was a leftover from Tubby ball, became a senior glue guy. Those guys fit and played like a veteran team. Their talent and chemistry overcame the coaching. Even then, they'd have games where the offense seemed stagnant and it felt like Cal was taking his foot off the gas pedal. I believe they were well on their way to blowing Kansas out in the championship game and ended up letting them back in it for an 8 point win. The 2015 season is when Calipari seemed to change. That team should have won it all easily. That is the most talented team he has ever had. They would probably be known as the greatest team in college basketball history if they'd have won it all. It seemed to me like players would get worse as the season went along from 2015 on. Devin Booker started out great and his shooting percentage got worse. Some guys seemed to be much better in the NBA than under Cal. I don't understand why the guy was known for developing talent. He had two bench players this last season who were top ten drafts. Why didn't he play those guys? Watching UK play became frustrating. It seemed they always played at the level of the competition, which gets you beat alot. It got to where I wasn't watching the games. The guy acted like he didn't care and even talked down to the fans. From about 2019 on, it was a chore to watch. I will forever be grateful to the University of Arkansas for hiring that used car salesman away from Kentucky. When I heard they hired Mark Pope, my first reaction was I didn't know he was coaching. I then thought, well at least it isn't Calipari and maybe he'll bring back some Pitino era fun. His enthusiasm was exciting to me. Then, he started bringing in really good players. When I saw his final roster, I was thinking he could have a really good team. I never thought it would be an early season Duke beating team, but I thought they would be competing and winning.
@@HarveyBlevins-i4h I had to go back and think about it. You're right. I was thinking Tubby recruited him. He was the senior leader they needed to win the championship.
If you're a recruit that can shoot the ball, why would you not want to go to Kentucky? There's Kentucky style of basketball and then there's everybody else not even close, Kentucky is so fun to watch every game I can't wait for the next game counting the days!!!!
If I am a shooter, a skilled big, a true PG who can shoot, heck basically any versatile, skilled player who can shoot and play in a team system, I would want to go to UK.
@doc8013 still not as good as what Mark Pope's doing at Kentucky, He put this team together in less than 2 months and they're playing like they've been together 2 years...
It's not saying anything bad about Cal to point out that his approach was a bad fit for Kentucky. His whole approach to the game goes against everything we've ever seen before. For Cal, it was about the personal success of the kids first, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but Kentucky has always been about the kids being part of something larger than themselves. It took a little while for many fans to notice because we were starved for excitement after the disaster of Billy Clyde Gillispie, and Cal did get us #8, but it was never truly a good fit. Cal wants one thing, and we wanted something else. That pretty much guaranteed a rocky end.
It only took me three years to notice. As excited as I was when we won in 2012, I was simultaneously sad because I knew it would never happen again under Calipari. I said that and people laughed and called me crazy. I was right.
Cal is maybe the best recruiter ever, but his team building and in game coaching is what has caught up to him. If I told you to pick 5 ingredients and make me a soup and you used milk, macaroni, tomatoes, okra and salmon while each of those are fine on their own when you combine them it doesn't work. I always thought of the Island of Misfit Toys when I watched most of Cal's UK teams. Lots of neat parts, but was damn ugly a lot of the time.
Jerel made a point about how it was when he played and guys playing together, and he is partially right. But it was an interesting take here. Mark Pope had zero production returning from Kentucky's previous season. Zero. Literally. None of these guys had played together, yet they are looking like a well oiled machine this early (which makes me think how crazy some of these guys are saying they have reached their ceiling). Kentucky is the best example of the sum of the parts being greater than any individual. Now they got some dogs. Robinson has played better since Duke, Brea doesn't miss, Lamont Butler is a dog on both ends, as is Tegatron who may be the most consistent guy on that team. But this is a clear example that coaching and coaching strategy matters. When you recruit players to a system, it is much easier for the pieces to fall into place and work together. When all you do is look at the number next to the Rivals ranking or portal ranking, and go for the highest guys and throw them out there, it doesn't work. You can only have success when you overwhelm people with talent. Cal has done this for years, even before his seat got hot at Kentucky. John Wall and Eric Bledsoe didn't compliment one another. Now that team was solid and could have won it all, but they couldn't shoot. Bledsoe was basically a less talented version of John Wall. There have been years where they had no true big/center and were forced to let Skal Labissiere get bullied on the block instead of playing to his skill set (second round exit). Years they didn't have a point guard and were forced to try Ryan Harrow and Archie Badloss who was an undersized shooting guard who couldn't shoot(first round NIT loss). I could pull out more examples, but the Calipari faithful who refuse to acknowledge he has any shortcomings will always disagree. Eventually it will become so obvious that no one will even need to say I told you so.
You nailed it. The problem with most folks and their opinion on Cal is, they aren’t UK fans. They didn’t experience every game, the subsequent ridiculousness from the post game interview and all the goofy quips from Cal to make him “likable” to those on the outside. If Cal had the team that Pope has right now, he’d be 2 and 3 at this point and would have lost another Champions Classic, for sure. Arkansas is gonna learn the hard way…
@@brokenvessel8886 exactly. The irony is, the little quips and platitudes Cal has that initially make him so endearing, are exactly what make him so tiring after a while. I have already heard him say some of the same things at Arkansas he said at Kentucky. Guess you really can't teach an old dog new tricks. Success covers a multitude of sins, but the further you distance yourself from that success, the less effective it is at covering up your flaws and shortcomings. This is what happened to Cal at UK. You get tired of hearing things like "we aren't there yet, we got a ways to go" or, of course, "we are young, we are freshman..." especially when you have one of the oldest teams in the country. Yes, Cal said this in the 2022-2023 season when we had Reeves, Oscar, Toppin, Wheeler, CJ Frederick who were all seniors and Lance Ware as a junior, Cal got up to that podium and made a statement about having a young and inexperienced team...he really turns into a broken record after a while. Same issues on the court, same responses off the court. This is what people got tired of and when he started being snarky towards the fanbase with the whole "basketball bennies" thing and in that same 22-23 season when we lost to Bama by like 30 and Missouri who was terrible, at some point we won 2 games in a row and Cal said "if you weren't with us then, don't jump on now" or something to the tune of that like, what? You are at Kentucky you are expected to win. That team never put it together. Combine all that with the early tournament exits (SEC and NCAA) Cal made his own bed. People act like the fanbase ran him off, but ultimately it was his decision. He didn't want to change. He wants to do things his way. He wanted Bradley on his coaching staff. Some of the people arguing for him were the same ones who hated him at UK. They just hate Big Blue. Others are the casual fans, who Cal, admittedly, brought into the fold by recruiting top talent and putting a flashy product out there. I don't entirely blame them, because most of them are young, only know Kentucky with Calipari, and only watched a few games a year or highlights. However, there is a sector of older Cats fans who are still crying about "running off a HOF coach" and think Cal was basically Jesus and did no wrong. Those are the people that blow my mind. Like, clearly they have to be delusional.
i can’t remember the last time UK actually had a team identity. if nothing else, we know offense will be really good and fun to watch, but the buy-in on team defense is also a pleasant surprise
@@Nobody-n2m Sure he will....because the kids he recruits don't give a shit about winning games at the college level....they care about their draft stock and getting to the NBA as quickly as possible...and that still happens with Calipari...win or lose. It's a 7 month pit stop.
@@atinwoodsman lol pretty much they rest of you make it look like you are doing something good. And on defense twidle your thumbs we can out shot the the other team. Pass the ball? No we don't do that here.
It took a freak, once in a lifetime talent in Anthony Davis for Calipari to finally win a championship. UK had 9 future NBA players on the 2015 team including 2 All Stars and still couldn't win a title! Calipari is a snake oil salesman.
Hey Cal. We weren't the problem. Neither was Mitch or Stoops. The biggest problem is staring back at you when you shave. Sincerely, A BBN Basketball Bennie.
The Calipari era at Kentucky was fun while it lasted, but I’m glad it’s over. The first 6 years were awesome but from 2020-24 we was awful. What’s good about having top recruits if you can’t even get out the first round of the tournament? Arkansas did us a favor by hiring Calipari. They got us out of buying out his contract. Mark Pope has been a godsend for Kentucky. The roster is mostly transfer players, yet they look like a cohesive unit. The Razorbacks look confused most of the time. Besides Duke, we have played cupcakes but at least they’re taking care of business like they’re supposed to. Arkansas beat Lipscomb by 16, we beat them by 29. Eventually we will lose. But I have a good feeling about this team. I don’t think we win the championship this year, but there’s no way we lose in the first or second round of the tournament this year, unless we have a really bad shooting night. With that said, I believe Pope will win a title at UK.
Even if some of the players on this UK team have a bad shooting night like Jax did with Duke. We also have other players that will pick up the slack in area. And they all play DEFENSE GOOD. Jax made up for his bad shooting night against by playing wicked defense that night too. The NBA also looks at that too.
@@twtarmo1270 unless they forget how to play basketball, Kentucky will be in the NCAA tournament. Not saying they’ll win the whole thing but, if you think they won’t make it, you’re delusional.
Kentucky players throwing t shirts in the crowd shaking fans hands after the game never seen that when cal was coach it’s fun again to be a Kentucky fan
I've been very impressed with Mark Pope so far, although we haven't played any one of note except Duke. The 1 and done championship contender has long been over, that's what hurt Cal for years. UK has a deep roster of talented upperclassmen, we'll be much better suited for March Madness with a team like this.
As a 54 year old die hard UK fan, born and bred in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky. I quit watching my beloved team after the 2015 debacle...I mean let's be real Tubby Smith would've won a championship with that team but I digress. I am now more energized, die hard and what we in my circle like to call 'ate the f*ck up with UK Basketball" again and it feels awesome. Mark Pope has given this old timer something to be proud of and root for.
I'm 51 and a die-hard UK fan from Breckenridge County KY. Coach Mark Pope has brought back the energy and style that we had back in the 90s under Pintino. With that energy and style back in the 90s.
Go back and watch the 2012 kentucky team. They free played the majority of the time. Cal can get the talent, but he cannot set plays up and make his team play a certain way. Thats just the truth
Cal has never knew how to "construct a roster". He has always just tried to get the best guy's he can and try to make it work. Mark Pope knows basketball, he understands roster construction and built a team full of guys with different skill sets that compliment each other. Cal just always went after the best athletes he could, made them play hard and defend and rebound, and on the offensive side he just ran dribble drive motion. Cal is not a great in game coach, and he has been exposed.
@@Wetrockstah2116 But there are 3 things different with Cals roster and Pope's roster. On Pope's every player that he has this year at UK. HAs a game average of atleast 3 to 4 assist a game. Atleast 1 steal per game and 2 rebonds or more per game. And most have averaged 1 block per game too. Last year under Cal at UK we only had ONE player that averaged 1 steal per game and 2 or more assists per game. And that was Reed Sheppard.
@@davidalexander828 crazy thing is you can go back all the way to the 2022 team and the team after, looked unbeatable pre season in the games they played freely and Cal wasn't coaching them, but once the season started and Cal started coaching the entire team changed and it was obvious. He just isn't a good coach. The man has always relied on his ability to land the best players, and his staff. He doesn't have a great staff anymore and he isn't landing the best playeers.
It is simple. Cal’s players look lost because he is lost, and he has been since the 2015 Final Four (and I was there, saw it). But the seeds of that moment were always there. Those of us at Kentucky know, because for years, in agony, we watched the descent. He doesn't know how to put together a team in today's game, and he doesn't know how to coach or prepare them. Maybe he'll find himself again, but I doubt it. Mark Pope? Completely opposite story. He knows the analytics inside out, knows what he's looking for in players, knows how to coach, prepare, and inspire them to coalesce and give 100%. The guy is brilliant, boundlessly energetic, and absolutely bleeds blue. He is truly Rick Pitino 2.0. I've been to four games this year, and the difference couldn't be any more stark. Thank God! We actually have a basketball team again at Kentucky!🎉
We got a real coach now. We aren't a nba training camp no more. Coach Pope has done more in 6 months than Cal has in 14 years for the Cats and Cat fans! Thank God He's gone! GO CATS!
Well they got national championships and final fours his system worked earlier but Nil transfer have caught up to him. Can’t rely on young guys and no system
If you rely on too many freshmen and somehow for some reason, one or two of them gets out of the game, the game's over. Everybody's good nowadays.It's back to like it was in the nineties who the best team is
The difference is Pope is smarter and knows how to build a team to fit the system. Cal recruits strictly the best available talent he can get. It pretty clear
For the longest time, the recruiting strategy in NCAA was to find the most athletic, most dominant players coming into the game. "My gange of top, young athletes can beat your average athletes on any given night," so to speak. Then, Steph and Golden State came along, and permanently the sport of basketball, turning it into a team-focused sharpshooters paridise. College basketball had no choice but to follow suit. Unfortunately for Cal, hs is one of many great coaches who have yet to adopt this new reality, and likely never will. The bottom line is that excellent TEAMS can dominate a team filled with singularly great players. These power teams will have more good nights than bad, and, if the chips fall into place, they can make deep runs into the tourny. But what happens when there's no one stepping up? No one is hitting their man-2-man shots? The only choice they have is to keep chucking balls up and hoping to catch the statistical odds. At that point, a seasoned, even if less athletic team will completely dismantle them. See UK's past three tourney's for clarification.
Yes against Duke Krissa in the game and there were 3 passes after a made basket and the ball didn’t touch the floor and just under 2.5 seconds UK had an open layup
I am so thankful that Coach Cal violated his contract with Ky by going to visit with Ark without telling the AD at Ky first. It was specifically written in Cals contract that he has to tell the athletic department of Kentucky if he goes to visit any other school, so it must have been important. But Cal did what snakes do..... The best part of the story that's rarely told is that Cal didn't want to go to Ark and asked to stay, but Ky's AD Barnhart refused to keep him. Id lie if I said i wasn't nervous when he left, and we got Pope. But Pope is exactly who we need right now. And Cal will always be the Goat recruiter ever, but his coaching style isn't evolving and looks slow and clumsy. He will make the HofF but he currently needs to reinvent himself, cuz the SEC has some hungry young coaches that can lead men. BBN 4L 🔵🔵💙
Kentucky fans want to see beautiful team basketball and hustle plays. Diving on loose balls, taking charges, and making the extra pass. Nobody wants to see one and done or one on one.
Nail on head guys. I was ready to move on from Cal after the Covid year, then 3 early NCAA exits followed and wanted him gone every year. The game has passed Cal up. He was never an amazing “Coach”, just at times had superior talent to make up for it. Coach Pope is the real deal. Watching UK play this season you can FEEL the pride is back.
The problem is Cal won't let Davis do what he does best. He's playing third fiddle behind Wagner and Fland. He'll never get utilized the way he should.
Because, at least in his mind, they have more of a chance to become another NBA lottery pick for the only legacy Cal cares about, how many players he "got drafted" into the NBA.
Cal won during his early years at Ky because he was the first to go all in on one and dones and he over whelmed everyone with talent, not coaching. He no longer is ahead of the curve. That’s why his last 5 years at Ky they were irrelevant. Couldn’t even win an SEC tournament game, much less the big tournament.
People are surprised by johnell davis. He was playing offense vs other teams 4's and 5's most of the time. Now he's having to play against guys who are the same size and same speed.
Cal is never going to change. He could coach for another 100 years and his teams would beat Popcorn State by 11 whereas Pope wins a similar game by 40.
That's all Cal has done for a decade. How can he be labeled a great recruiter when all he does is collect shiny athletic parts? A great recruiter recruits a team that can win on the biggest stage available to them. Cal knows he can't actually coach in the traditional sense of drawing up plays, etc. and he can't get past his bull headed theory on how to recruit.
Don''t understand fans hating on Cal. He's gone, let's focus on our coach and team that we have now. I am optimistic about Pope, but I hope fans give him time and don't place unrealistic expectations on him.
I’m also realistic I understand we can’t win championships every year but at least win the first round of the tourney and make it to the second weekend
He’s been exposed and Goodman is pouncing on the opportunity. I used to hate Goodman when he did that stuff at UK, but now I know that he was right. You’re going to find out
Don’t worry! You will get someone back and then there will be more mystery injuries that pop up all season. Be ready for the “I haven’t seen him” classic line. It gets infuriating
We been saying it for years … talent with out growth and performance…. That’s all on the Coaching staff …. Cal to stubborn. To change …. Arkansas fans will find out why Kentucky fans were upset with Cal .
The difference between Arkansas fans with cal compared to ky fans with cal is, Arkansas will be more than happy with a good win season, 2 game win during the sec championship and maybe 2 week tournament play before getting bounced, mediocre results simply put.. Arkansas isn't the type of program that claim to want/expect national title banners or perfect seasons consistently. They are like tennessee and tennessee fans more than anyone else, always looking forward to just beating certain opponents and trash talking opportunities for those games being main focuses, lol! At ky, our program and our fans have decades history always not wanting but always expecting banners each sec championship and every April! Alot of tennessee and auburn fans are screaming they are the best teams in the sec or nation or both right now and as a uk fan, I'm worried about being the best team preparing for the current or next game coming and most importantly, March!! Do I think ky is the best sec or best national team currently? No, I do not because we have yet to play and beat the best teams minus 1, but I believe we're just as good if not better than alot of them when watching all those games and comparing them! If we win the sec, I will proudly say with confidence uk is the best sec team. If we win a national championship, only then will I say with confidence we are and was the best 2024/25 team nationally! Rankings don't mean shit to me with uk or any other program, ever! Anyone can beat anyone, any given night regardless of where, when, rank, etc! Give me an unranked uk team pre season, during season and even post season, see if they win out and win it all and that'll be the best foot in mouth stuffed Cinderella story I've ever seen and I'd be happy with it!
I appreciate calipari and what he did for us but you’d think that by now if you didn’t know how to beat the zone with Reed shepperd Dillingham and reeves all great shooters that maybe it’s time to bring someone in that can teach it. Little Rock Arkansas from the small bit I watched was getting killed and they went zone. They ended up only losing by 12 or something. It baffles me the only game plan the last 10yrs is to play zone and make threes against cals teams. Go UK
Kentucky is definitely a final 4 team if they continue to play the way they have been. There's been a lot of inconsistent play by top ranked teams this year and Kentucky is one of the few that looks really good so far Mark Pope is proving he's the right choice. And poor Arkansas is going to have a long road of UPS and downs all the college basketball analyst are talking about how Arkansas looks exactly like the Kentucky teams that Cal coached his final 5 seasons at Kentucky which were terrible. Idk it's just really strange Cal can obviously bring in the talent but it's like he needs an offensive coordinator or something. But for everyone that is doubting Kentucky and Mark Pope go right ahead and keep doubting the wins will speak for themselves but just be ready to eat crow when tournament time comes around and Kentucky is completing for championships again.
I will always have genuine love for Cal for his time at UK and the good that he has done for his players and the state of Kentucky. I also appreciate that he left and I appreciate the manner in which he did so. I am rooting for Arkansas and the former UK players on the team (except we they play us.)
Too recruits need to stop with cal. He really sucks as a coach and you can go pro if you’re a pro for anybody. Cal is not the guy. Look what he did to Edwards last year. Look what he’s doing to Davis this year. Caution, don’t play for cal.
@ yea and to me it’s just mind boggling. I get it if you’re a pet of his and fringe 1st rounder / 2nd rounder. But if you a guy who needs to improve his game, or a guy who’s a sure fire NBA pick, there’s no reason at all to play for Calipari. Actually you have every reason not to play for him. At one time it was necessary because guys like K and Roy, Self etc would stall and hold you back, give limited minutes in ways to freshman. But now all coaches know it’s a 1 year basis. So unless you’re a fringe 1st /nd rounder who might just need the edge to say you played for Cal, almost like a boost of reputation, it’s unnecessary or maybe even stupid to actually play for him. No development and can hurt stocks in ways. Take Wagner for example, he’s in desperate need of coaching. Edwards for example, desperate need of coaching. I just think for many recruits Cal can hurt you more then help.
@@BBNBRM-mt4gs according to a guy who speaks to ppl at Kentucky regularly, very significant people in both football and basketball, Calipari did not willingly leave. He tried to use Arkansas as leverage to get Brad on staff and keep Barnhart out of the program and it backfired. When it backfired he tried to agree to changes when he knew his efforts were lost and was told no, he’s out. If you look at his press conference and walk of shame, it’s clear Calipari never planned on going to Arkansas. National writers have also said they don’t believe Calipari intended to go there and was shocked when he realized just how bad things had gotten at UK.
Young people have fragile egos, Davis thinking he's the man and seeing Cal drool over his freshman I'm sure it shook him. But Cal will always favor freshmen, that's why he didn't use all his scholarships in the portal.
Cal only beating horrible teams by 10-15 is exactly what Kentucky fans expect. When's the last time he actually just blew out a bad team by 40+? Pope is doing it over and over again.
Took us "real" fans 4 years to run him out of town. And an AD that played his hand. They all scoffed at me for reaching out to Mark Pope while he was at BYU.
And he committed coaching malpractice there, especially in the last 5 minutes of that loss to Wisconsin. The same malpractice he committed in 2008 in the loss to Kansas (when he coached Memphis). He tried to give away the 2012 title but MKG erased a defensive mistake with a freakishly athletic block. Thank you Arkansas for taking Cal off our hands.
Talk about a bunch of guys who look at stat lines and don't actually watch games. Context is key for anything and the fact that these yockles, who have probably never played any sport at a high level, can wrap off about two teams with ZERO context to look down on one team is pathetic.
Well, we were already judging because every year there's more unhealthiness with Cows team than anybody else. Wait n see. It's an excuse to not be performing where you should be and to keep people from risking their NBA spot to an injury. The stories I can tell you over the last 15 years. You'll always be an injury away like 2015.
I don't care nor do I follow Cal next ponzi scheme, I'm just glad he away from UK. In all honestly it was 5 years due. But what others are saying about him is true he's ful of excuses and deflections more than on court results. Maybe with 30 years of meaningless unsuccessful basketball desperation sets in.😂
@@samjones6557 Shaming attempt failed. Arkansas is not private property nor are the games that they play, and no one is a stalker for watching basketball. Strawman vaporized as well. 15 years of truth still on tape too. Use correct terms next time.
The question that has to be asked: what the hell happened to coach Calipari? I know, especially in sports, people have short memories. But there was a time when Cal wasn’t one of the biggest names in recruiting circles and he had to build his teams with mostly program players that ended up being juniors and seniors. Sure, he had Derrick Rose, Marcus Camby, and Tyreke Evans sprinkled throughout those years but he wasn’t hauling in 5-6 one and comes every year. And he was successful! Allegations aside, he had tremendous success at meh programs UMASS and Memphis. And it was largely due to being able to rely on his upperclassmen who knew his plays. I’m not sure who this is now but this isn’t the John Calipari that earned an employment offer from the university of Kentucky and it isn’t the coach who was inducted into the HoF. His over reliance on freshman and laziness in his approach to teaching the game are newer facets to his coaching style, and I’m not sure why everyone is pretending he’s always been this way.
NBA draft success got Cal to sell out in sending players to the NBA first and foremost. He has had the most success sending athletic defense dominant interior players and get to the rim athletic guards. He focuses on those types of players accordingly.
Look..most KY fans were born into it,Generations after Generations, unless you either from ky or been a alumi you'll never understand it..WE WANT TITLES AND TO DOMINATE, but produce good students and Pros..Bout like a Religion
We put it in his hands and he misses every shot or passes it back immediately!! They have a point Boogie had 7 ast and DJ had 5 ast!! Jeff shut up you don't know shit!!! Cal can't make him make shots.
@@shelbyesters5732 actually Arkansas isn’t that bad, and y’all acting like Arkansas is the only team struggling in the whole nation, this channel is obsessed with coach Cal
Yeah the greatest choke artist coach of all time. Wow Oakland, Kansas State, and St Peters were all shaking at big bad Cal and his band of 5 ⭐ players. What about West Virginia or Wisconsin when he showed up with 2 future #1 draft pick and multiple lottery picks? He should donate most of salary to Anthony Davis and crew for overcoming his bad coaching and getting him his only championship. Thanks for playing 🤡.
The hate has to stop, he’s a great coach with great players that are hurt. Considering everything going on where actually playing really well in my opinion 💪🏾
I want to thank John Calipari for going to Arkansas
And I want to thank Scott Drew's wife for not letting him take the Kentucky job!!!!!
Boy you said it !!
Hell yes 👍
Pope should change his name to Mark Coach, damn, I wanna buy a basketball, trade in my work boots, and work on my transition 3’s and defense after I listen to a Coach Pope presser. I hate that I ever doubted the hire, his heart is in KY and his minds on UK, the way it should be. KY don’t have a big NBA or NFL team, UK basketball is our NBA team, that’s why it’s so special to UK fans and the state. Coach Pope is exactly where he’s supposed to be at exactly the right time.
talk about a domino effect
@@Beef_BoloneyIf Pope Mark Coach asked me to follow him into battle I would only have 2 questions. 1) how many are there and 2) are WE GONNA HAVE ENOUGH TOE TAGS FOR THE UNLUCKY SONSOFBITCHES!!!
Man Mark Pope is the perfect fit for Kentucky.
In pope we trust
Like there was no "Comeback Cats" when calipari was the coach..
Love Coach Pope and this team❤️
As a Kentucky guy, I'm glad we're not having to listen to the Arkansas post game tonight. It sounds like the same crap we listened to over and over.
"Stuff"...his favorite word
The pressers are him actually trying to convince himself that they are in a good spot
@@zipzapzoom111 "built for March" lol
been a Kentucky fan since 92, 7 years of age, im so glad that shady car salesman Cal is gone
Snakeoil salesman....
You're welcome ;-)
A whole lot of your friends are totally brainwashed by NBA picks. And we haven't had a pro franchise since the Kentucky Colonels.
Field of 68 knows how to get viewers and I can’t stop rewarding them for it.
Ky doesn't want to win games we want to win championships we are tired of watching Connecticut, Duke, Kansas and North Carolina winning the title instead Cal was worried about how many players he put in the NBA. Cal never talked about winning championships!!!
Only UCONN is only team winning championships. This weak Non Conference UK is playing and yall hyping it up. Lol.
Cal wanted uk $ to be a G league coach preparing for nba
I'm a razorback and what you said about cal I disagree with you . Yes I'm tired of those powerhouse ball clubs . We have good teams in our conference. I'm sure they can get the best of them .
Kentucky will not win a bunch of championships...lol
@@jamiecrawford1634 you're right. The eight we have are flukes. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
As a Kentucky fan im excited about this team and that's the first time I've felt like this in a while they are fun to watch and play well together and i think it's because of all the veterans we have and we are not used to having that on a coach cal team
I'll be honest. Davis would be a much better fit in Popes offense. I believe now that kids are seeing Popes offense, who wouldn't want to play for him? It's very fun to watch them play. Plus, he's a great coach who is very intelligent. Kentucky is the winner when it comes to coaches IMO
Calipari was my choice when they hired Billy Gillispie. So, I was excited when UK hired him. Early on, I noticed he was hard headed and didn't adjust. That first team he had should have won it all, but they started jacking up 3s instead of getting it in to Cousins. Looking back, Cal got lucky in 2012. He got two freak of nature athletes in Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist. Teague ended up being a solid point guard. Also, Terrance Jones and Doron Lamb stayed due to uncertainty about an NBA lockout. Darius Miller, who was a leftover from Tubby ball, became a senior glue guy. Those guys fit and played like a veteran team. Their talent and chemistry overcame the coaching. Even then, they'd have games where the offense seemed stagnant and it felt like Cal was taking his foot off the gas pedal. I believe they were well on their way to blowing Kansas out in the championship game and ended up letting them back in it for an 8 point win.
The 2015 season is when Calipari seemed to change. That team should have won it all easily. That is the most talented team he has ever had. They would probably be known as the greatest team in college basketball history if they'd have won it all. It seemed to me like players would get worse as the season went along from 2015 on. Devin Booker started out great and his shooting percentage got worse. Some guys seemed to be much better in the NBA than under Cal. I don't understand why the guy was known for developing talent. He had two bench players this last season who were top ten drafts. Why didn't he play those guys? Watching UK play became frustrating. It seemed they always played at the level of the competition, which gets you beat alot. It got to where I wasn't watching the games. The guy acted like he didn't care and even talked down to the fans. From about 2019 on, it was a chore to watch. I will forever be grateful to the University of Arkansas for hiring that used car salesman away from Kentucky.
When I heard they hired Mark Pope, my first reaction was I didn't know he was coaching. I then thought, well at least it isn't Calipari and maybe he'll bring back some Pitino era fun. His enthusiasm was exciting to me. Then, he started bringing in really good players. When I saw his final roster, I was thinking he could have a really good team. I never thought it would be an early season Duke beating team, but I thought they would be competing and winning.
Darius was a BCG “leftover”. Glad he stayed cause we don’t win in 12 without him
@@HarveyBlevins-i4h I had to go back and think about it. You're right. I was thinking Tubby recruited him. He was the senior leader they needed to win the championship.
Nice synopsis!
If you're a recruit that can shoot the ball, why would you not want to go to Kentucky? There's Kentucky style of basketball and then there's everybody else not even close, Kentucky is so fun to watch every game I can't wait for the next game counting the days!!!!
If I am a shooter, a skilled big, a true PG who can shoot, heck basically any versatile, skilled player who can shoot and play in a team system, I would want to go to UK.
My guy, it's not that unique. Bama been dominating the SEC the last 5 years with this type of wide open offense.
@doc8013 still not as good as what Mark Pope's doing at Kentucky, He put this team together in less than 2 months and they're playing like they've been together 2 years...
@@doc8013Nate “he was just holding it for a friend” Oates? THAT old chunk of coal???
@@toddboling152and they’re not even being questioned for murder investigations!
It's not saying anything bad about Cal to point out that his approach was a bad fit for Kentucky. His whole approach to the game goes against everything we've ever seen before. For Cal, it was about the personal success of the kids first, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but Kentucky has always been about the kids being part of something larger than themselves.
It took a little while for many fans to notice because we were starved for excitement after the disaster of Billy Clyde Gillispie, and Cal did get us #8, but it was never truly a good fit. Cal wants one thing, and we wanted something else. That pretty much guaranteed a rocky end.
It only took me three years to notice. As excited as I was when we won in 2012, I was simultaneously sad because I knew it would never happen again under Calipari. I said that and people laughed and called me crazy. I was right.
The BBN will see you guys at the Final Four
Let’s go!!!!!!!
Easy now 😂 i hope your right but im afraid were setting him up for failure
Na bro we setting up to win titles
And humble teams 👍
Cal is maybe the best recruiter ever, but his team building and in game coaching is what has caught up to him. If I told you to pick 5 ingredients and make me a soup and you used milk, macaroni, tomatoes, okra and salmon while each of those are fine on their own when you combine them it doesn't work. I always thought of the Island of Misfit Toys when I watched most of Cal's UK teams. Lots of neat parts, but was damn ugly a lot of the time.
I have laughed out loud at that ingredient list and tried to make them work.
No great dish can be made,using all 5
Well done!
A La Carte Cal
I don't think he is even a good recruiter and for the reason you are giving. A great chef isn't great if they buy the wrong ingredients.
Same issues at Arkansas as he had the last few at Kentucky
Jerel made a point about how it was when he played and guys playing together, and he is partially right. But it was an interesting take here. Mark Pope had zero production returning from Kentucky's previous season. Zero. Literally. None of these guys had played together, yet they are looking like a well oiled machine this early (which makes me think how crazy some of these guys are saying they have reached their ceiling). Kentucky is the best example of the sum of the parts being greater than any individual. Now they got some dogs. Robinson has played better since Duke, Brea doesn't miss, Lamont Butler is a dog on both ends, as is Tegatron who may be the most consistent guy on that team. But this is a clear example that coaching and coaching strategy matters. When you recruit players to a system, it is much easier for the pieces to fall into place and work together. When all you do is look at the number next to the Rivals ranking or portal ranking, and go for the highest guys and throw them out there, it doesn't work. You can only have success when you overwhelm people with talent. Cal has done this for years, even before his seat got hot at Kentucky. John Wall and Eric Bledsoe didn't compliment one another. Now that team was solid and could have won it all, but they couldn't shoot. Bledsoe was basically a less talented version of John Wall. There have been years where they had no true big/center and were forced to let Skal Labissiere get bullied on the block instead of playing to his skill set (second round exit). Years they didn't have a point guard and were forced to try Ryan Harrow and Archie Badloss who was an undersized shooting guard who couldn't shoot(first round NIT loss). I could pull out more examples, but the Calipari faithful who refuse to acknowledge he has any shortcomings will always disagree. Eventually it will become so obvious that no one will even need to say I told you so.
Perfectly said. How I would explain exactly and like you said, could add on a full books worth of more info….
You nailed it. The problem with most folks and their opinion on Cal is, they aren’t UK fans. They didn’t experience every game, the subsequent ridiculousness from the post game interview and all the goofy quips from Cal to make him “likable” to those on the outside. If Cal had the team that Pope has right now, he’d be 2 and 3 at this point and would have lost another Champions Classic, for sure. Arkansas is gonna learn the hard way…
@@JMFATZ47 yes there could definitely be a book, as long as my comment was it doesn't even scratch the surface.
@@brokenvessel8886 exactly. The irony is, the little quips and platitudes Cal has that initially make him so endearing, are exactly what make him so tiring after a while. I have already heard him say some of the same things at Arkansas he said at Kentucky. Guess you really can't teach an old dog new tricks. Success covers a multitude of sins, but the further you distance yourself from that success, the less effective it is at covering up your flaws and shortcomings. This is what happened to Cal at UK. You get tired of hearing things like "we aren't there yet, we got a ways to go" or, of course, "we are young, we are freshman..." especially when you have one of the oldest teams in the country. Yes, Cal said this in the 2022-2023 season when we had Reeves, Oscar, Toppin, Wheeler, CJ Frederick who were all seniors and Lance Ware as a junior, Cal got up to that podium and made a statement about having a young and inexperienced team...he really turns into a broken record after a while. Same issues on the court, same responses off the court. This is what people got tired of and when he started being snarky towards the fanbase with the whole "basketball bennies" thing and in that same 22-23 season when we lost to Bama by like 30 and Missouri who was terrible, at some point we won 2 games in a row and Cal said "if you weren't with us then, don't jump on now" or something to the tune of that like, what? You are at Kentucky you are expected to win. That team never put it together. Combine all that with the early tournament exits (SEC and NCAA) Cal made his own bed. People act like the fanbase ran him off, but ultimately it was his decision. He didn't want to change. He wants to do things his way. He wanted Bradley on his coaching staff. Some of the people arguing for him were the same ones who hated him at UK. They just hate Big Blue. Others are the casual fans, who Cal, admittedly, brought into the fold by recruiting top talent and putting a flashy product out there. I don't entirely blame them, because most of them are young, only know Kentucky with Calipari, and only watched a few games a year or highlights. However, there is a sector of older Cats fans who are still crying about "running off a HOF coach" and think Cal was basically Jesus and did no wrong. Those are the people that blow my mind. Like, clearly they have to be delusional.
i can’t remember the last time UK actually had a team identity. if nothing else, we know offense will be really good and fun to watch, but the buy-in on team defense is also a pleasant surprise
I can’t understand why top recruits still want to play for Calipari.
Guy is the biggest swindler to ever step foot in CBB. All bark and zero bite
Thats only this yr. He wont have top 10 classes after he goes out 1st round again. Esp w empty arena
NBA stock. He is known for getting kids NBA ready and he has the track record of getting kids drafted.
@ronin4303 Sad hes not known for wins, offense, defense, or championships
@@Nobody-n2m Sure he will....because the kids he recruits don't give a shit about winning games at the college level....they care about their draft stock and getting to the NBA as quickly as possible...and that still happens with Calipari...win or lose. It's a 7 month pit stop.
Calipari offense, dribble dribble dribble and get off the hardest shot possible.
@@atinwoodsman lol pretty much they rest of you make it look like you are doing something good. And on defense twidle your thumbs we can out shot the the other team. Pass the ball? No we don't do that here.
It took a freak, once in a lifetime talent in Anthony Davis for Calipari to finally win a championship.
UK had 9 future NBA players on the 2015 team including 2 All Stars and still couldn't win a title!
Calipari is a snake oil salesman.
Hey Cal. We weren't the problem. Neither was Mitch or Stoops. The biggest problem is staring back at you when you shave.
Sincerely, A BBN Basketball Bennie.
Pope is doing everything Kentucky fans were missing under Cal! Whole different ballgame, literally.
In Kentucky's offense NO ONE is ball dominant. You never know who's going to score and this keeps the defense completely off balance.
Every recruit in the country should want to play for kentucky
The Calipari era at Kentucky was fun while it lasted, but I’m glad it’s over. The first 6 years were awesome but from 2020-24 we was awful. What’s good about having top recruits if you can’t even get out the first round of the tournament? Arkansas did us a favor by hiring Calipari. They got us out of buying out his contract.
Mark Pope has been a godsend for Kentucky. The roster is mostly transfer players, yet they look like a cohesive unit. The Razorbacks look confused most of the time. Besides Duke, we have played cupcakes but at least they’re taking care of business like they’re supposed to. Arkansas beat Lipscomb by 16, we beat them by 29. Eventually we will lose. But I have a good feeling about this team. I don’t think we win the championship this year, but there’s no way we lose in the first or second round of the tournament this year, unless we have a really bad shooting night. With that said, I believe Pope will win a title at UK.
Even if some of the players on this UK team have a bad shooting night like Jax did with Duke. We also have other players that will pick up the slack in area. And they all play DEFENSE GOOD. Jax made up for his bad shooting night against by playing wicked defense that night too. The NBA also looks at that too.
Who said kentuck is making the tournament?lmao
@@twtarmo1270 unless they forget how to play basketball, Kentucky will be in the NCAA tournament. Not saying they’ll win the whole thing but, if you think they won’t make it, you’re delusional.
Kentucky players throwing t shirts in the crowd shaking fans hands after the game never seen that when cal was coach it’s fun again to be a Kentucky fan
I've been very impressed with Mark Pope so far, although we haven't played any one of note except Duke. The 1 and done championship contender has long been over, that's what hurt Cal for years. UK has a deep roster of talented upperclassmen, we'll be much better suited for March Madness with a team like this.
As a 54 year old die hard UK fan, born and bred in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky. I quit watching my beloved team after the 2015 debacle...I mean let's be real Tubby Smith would've won a championship with that team but I digress. I am now more energized, die hard and what we in my circle like to call 'ate the f*ck up with UK Basketball" again and it feels awesome. Mark Pope has given this old timer something to be proud of and root for.
I'm 51 and a die-hard UK fan from Breckenridge County KY. Coach Mark Pope has brought back the energy and style that we had back in the 90s under Pintino. With that energy and style back in the 90s.
Go back and watch the 2012 kentucky team. They free played the majority of the time. Cal can get the talent, but he cannot set plays up and make his team play a certain way. Thats just the truth
UK looks like a final four team this year…crazy bc I thought they’d go thru some growing pains with a new coach
Cal has never knew how to "construct a roster". He has always just tried to get the best guy's he can and try to make it work. Mark Pope knows basketball, he understands roster construction and built a team full of guys with different skill sets that compliment each other. Cal just always went after the best athletes he could, made them play hard and defend and rebound, and on the offensive side he just ran dribble drive motion. Cal is not a great in game coach, and he has been exposed.
@@Wetrockstah2116 But there are 3 things different with Cals roster and Pope's roster. On Pope's every player that he has this year at UK. HAs a game average of atleast 3 to 4 assist a game. Atleast 1 steal per game and 2 rebonds or more per game. And most have averaged 1 block per game too. Last year under Cal at UK we only had ONE player that averaged 1 steal per game and 2 or more assists per game. And that was Reed Sheppard.
@@davidalexander828 crazy thing is you can go back all the way to the 2022 team and the team after, looked unbeatable pre season in the games they played freely and Cal wasn't coaching them, but once the season started and Cal started coaching the entire team changed and it was obvious. He just isn't a good coach. The man has always relied on his ability to land the best players, and his staff. He doesn't have a great staff anymore and he isn't landing the best playeers.
It is simple. Cal’s players look lost because he is lost, and he has been since the 2015 Final Four (and I was there, saw it). But the seeds of that moment were always there. Those of us at Kentucky know, because for years, in agony, we watched the descent. He doesn't know how to put together a team in today's game, and he doesn't know how to coach or prepare them. Maybe he'll find himself again, but I doubt it.
Mark Pope? Completely opposite story. He knows the analytics inside out, knows what he's looking for in players, knows how to coach, prepare, and inspire them to coalesce and give 100%. The guy is brilliant, boundlessly energetic, and absolutely bleeds blue. He is truly Rick Pitino 2.0. I've been to four games this year, and the difference couldn't be any more stark. Thank God! We actually have a basketball team again at Kentucky!🎉
UK, plays each game like they are facing their arch rival and not favored to win. simply playing to win.
We got a real coach now. We aren't a nba training camp no more. Coach Pope has done more in 6 months than Cal has in 14 years for the Cats and Cat fans! Thank God He's gone! GO CATS!
That's a lie. 😂😂😂 def gotta win a chip or 2 😂😂
Well they got national championships and final fours his system worked earlier but Nil transfer have caught up to him. Can’t rely on young guys and no system
@Antbeast23 Dude stop being a troll. You guys loved Cal and now you guys act like he didn't do anything for your program. What a damn idiot.
Do be that guy, cal like it or not brought a title. If pop can do that then we'll talk
He still could never coach. Just out-talented everyone and grinded out games
If you rely on too many freshmen and somehow for some reason, one or two of them gets out of the game, the game's over. Everybody's good nowadays.It's back to like it was in the nineties who the best team is
3 ball dominant guards and a terrible system. Long season but cal obviously taking the same approach.
Lmao at Goodman saying Cal’s “system or non system” 😂
The difference is Pope is smarter and knows how to build a team to fit the system. Cal recruits strictly the best available talent he can get. It pretty clear
For the longest time, the recruiting strategy in NCAA was to find the most athletic, most dominant players coming into the game. "My gange of top, young athletes can beat your average athletes on any given night," so to speak.
Then, Steph and Golden State came along, and permanently the sport of basketball, turning it into a team-focused sharpshooters paridise. College basketball had no choice but to follow suit. Unfortunately for Cal, hs is one of many great coaches who have yet to adopt this new reality, and likely never will.
The bottom line is that excellent TEAMS can dominate a team filled with singularly great players. These power teams will have more good nights than bad, and, if the chips fall into place, they can make deep runs into the tourny.
But what happens when there's no one stepping up? No one is hitting their man-2-man shots? The only choice they have is to keep chucking balls up and hoping to catch the statistical odds. At that point, a seasoned, even if less athletic team will completely dismantle them. See UK's past three tourney's for clarification.
Yes against Duke Krissa in the game and there were 3 passes after a made basket and the ball didn’t touch the floor and just under 2.5 seconds UK had an open layup
Good show tonight guys. On target.🎯
Arkansas is a team of redundant players and only a couple have actual basketball skills. Add that to bad coaching and no offense and you struggle.
Mark Pope has revived Kentucky basketball
I am so thankful that Coach Cal violated his contract with Ky by going to visit with Ark without telling the AD at Ky first. It was specifically written in Cals contract that he has to tell the athletic department of Kentucky if he goes to visit any other school, so it must have been important. But Cal did what snakes do..... The best part of the story that's rarely told is that Cal didn't want to go to Ark and asked to stay, but Ky's AD Barnhart refused to keep him. Id lie if I said i wasn't nervous when he left, and we got Pope. But Pope is exactly who we need right now. And Cal will always be the Goat recruiter ever, but his coaching style isn't evolving and looks slow and clumsy. He will make the HofF but he currently needs to reinvent himself, cuz the SEC has some hungry young coaches that can lead men. BBN 4L 🔵🔵💙
Unfortunately, he's already in the HoF. Another reason why he mails in his coaching.
Kentucky fans want to see beautiful team basketball and hustle plays. Diving on loose balls, taking charges, and making the extra pass. Nobody wants to see one and done or one on one.
Nail on head guys.
I was ready to move on from Cal after the Covid year, then 3 early NCAA exits followed and wanted him gone every year.
The game has passed Cal up. He was never an amazing “Coach”, just at times had superior talent to make up for it.
Coach Pope is the real deal. Watching UK play this season you can FEEL the pride is back.
thanks for leaving Calipari
The problem is Cal won't let Davis do what he does best. He's playing third fiddle behind Wagner and Fland. He'll never get utilized the way he should.
He played fine tonight.
@@pmontyjaaaymes488cal apologist
He had 2 points and looks timid and lost
Because, at least in his mind, they have more of a chance to become another NBA lottery pick for the only legacy Cal cares about, how many players he "got drafted" into the NBA.
Cal won during his early years at Ky because he was the first to go all in on one and dones and he over whelmed everyone with talent, not coaching. He no longer is ahead of the curve. That’s why his last 5 years at Ky they were irrelevant. Couldn’t even win an SEC tournament game, much less the big tournament.
People are surprised by johnell davis. He was playing offense vs other teams 4's and 5's most of the time. Now he's having to play against guys who are the same size and same speed.
Cal is never going to change. He could coach for another 100 years and his teams would beat Popcorn State by 11 whereas Pope wins a similar game by 40.
Mark pope is gonna win multiple national championships at Kentucky.
Damn right he is
That's all Cal has done for a decade. How can he be labeled a great recruiter when all he does is collect shiny athletic parts? A great recruiter recruits a team that can win on the biggest stage available to them. Cal knows he can't actually coach in the traditional sense of drawing up plays, etc. and he can't get past his bull headed theory on how to recruit.
Don''t understand fans hating on Cal. He's gone, let's focus on our coach and team that we have now. I am optimistic about Pope, but I hope fans give him time and don't place unrealistic expectations on him.
Cal is and has been an apparition for quite sometime
All the players that transfered to stay with cal......THANK YOU #BIGBLUENATION
Big Z would have thrived in this system.
I’m also realistic I understand we can’t win championships every year but at least win the first round of the tourney and make it to the second weekend
Goodman HATES Cal!!! 😂
He’s been exposed and Goodman is pouncing on the opportunity. I used to hate Goodman when he did that stuff at UK, but now I know that he was right. You’re going to find out
@@tylerengland4427 yup! I hated Goodman for years because I though he hated UK. Clearly it was more about Cal. He isn't the only one either.
Pope wants a good season. Fans can enjoy every game. Cal gave up a fun season for fans to hopefully get the team eventually into March.
No one ever mentions that Nelly didn't have an off-season, and by the way, we are without our 2 best BIGs!
Don’t worry! You will get someone back and then there will be more mystery injuries that pop up all season. Be ready for the “I haven’t seen him” classic line. It gets infuriating
Arkansas sucks, so does Calipari.
@@mlixz2872 We will see!
Boogie definitely makes people better!?!
Guard dominant play with Cal? No way!!!!! No leading PG to run plays and move ball? Promises to family and favs? No way...
Calling the Duke win a banner win the first month of the season is hilarious.
Who's
In
The
House
Tonight
❔❔❔❔❔❔❔❔❔❔❔❔❔
UK!!!
We been saying it for years … talent with out growth and performance…. That’s all on the Coaching staff …. Cal to stubborn. To change …. Arkansas fans will find out why Kentucky fans were upset with Cal .
Oh the smart ones already see it and I’m here for it 😂😂😂😂
The difference between Arkansas fans with cal compared to ky fans with cal is, Arkansas will be more than happy with a good win season, 2 game win during the sec championship and maybe 2 week tournament play before getting bounced, mediocre results simply put..
Arkansas isn't the type of program that claim to want/expect national title banners or perfect seasons consistently. They are like tennessee and tennessee fans more than anyone else, always looking forward to just beating certain opponents and trash talking opportunities for those games being main focuses, lol!
At ky, our program and our fans have decades history always not wanting but always expecting banners each sec championship and every April!
Alot of tennessee and auburn fans are screaming they are the best teams in the sec or nation or both right now and as a uk fan, I'm worried about being the best team preparing for the current or next game coming and most importantly, March!!
Do I think ky is the best sec or best national team currently? No, I do not because we have yet to play and beat the best teams minus 1, but I believe we're just as good if not better than alot of them when watching all those games and comparing them!
If we win the sec, I will proudly say with confidence uk is the best sec team.
If we win a national championship, only then will I say with confidence we are and was the best 2024/25 team nationally!
Rankings don't mean shit to me with uk or any other program, ever!
Anyone can beat anyone, any given night regardless of where, when, rank, etc!
Give me an unranked uk team pre season, during season and even post season, see if they win out and win it all and that'll be the best foot in mouth stuffed Cinderella story I've ever seen and I'd be happy with it!
@@ryanphillips3533ok man. It’s gonna be ok
I appreciate calipari and what he did for us but you’d think that by now if you didn’t know how to beat the zone with Reed shepperd Dillingham and reeves all great shooters that maybe it’s time to bring someone in that can teach it. Little Rock Arkansas from the small bit I watched was getting killed and they went zone. They ended up only losing by 12 or something. It baffles me the only game plan the last 10yrs is to play zone and make threes against cals teams. Go UK
Kentucky is definitely a final 4 team if they continue to play the way they have been. There's been a lot of inconsistent play by top ranked teams this year and Kentucky is one of the few that looks really good so far Mark Pope is proving he's the right choice. And poor Arkansas is going to have a long road of UPS and downs all the college basketball analyst are talking about how Arkansas looks exactly like the Kentucky teams that Cal coached his final 5 seasons at Kentucky which were terrible. Idk it's just really strange Cal can obviously bring in the talent but it's like he needs an offensive coordinator or something. But for everyone that is doubting Kentucky and Mark Pope go right ahead and keep doubting the wins will speak for themselves but just be ready to eat crow when tournament time comes around and Kentucky is completing for championships again.
Jeff just don’t like Cal because Cal didn’t call Jeff first to let him know he was leaving!!!!!!!
I disagree on the ball dominant point. Boogie is a fantastic facilitator and Wagner is definitely not ball dominant. Wth are you watching?
One them guards need to come off the bench to many ball dominant guards in starting lineup at Arkansas
According to the title of this, Pope is a hell of a lot better coach and obviously recruiter as well.
Arkansas been winning without some key pieces. They get healthy and Davis gets out of a funk they gonna be legit.
The salt this channel has towards Cal for not being the ones to break the story 🤣
I will always have genuine love for Cal for his time at UK and the good that he has done for his players and the state of Kentucky. I also appreciate that he left and I appreciate the manner in which he did so. I am rooting for Arkansas and the former UK players on the team (except we they play us.)
Absolutely!!
Too recruits need to stop with cal. He really sucks as a coach and you can go pro if you’re a pro for anybody. Cal is not the guy. Look what he did to Edwards last year. Look what he’s doing to Davis this year. Caution, don’t play for cal.
Cal will continue to get players due to his reputation of getting players drafted.
@ yea and to me it’s just mind boggling. I get it if you’re a pet of his and fringe 1st rounder / 2nd rounder. But if you a guy who needs to improve his game, or a guy who’s a sure fire NBA pick, there’s no reason at all to play for Calipari. Actually you have every reason not to play for him. At one time it was necessary because guys like K and Roy, Self etc would stall and hold you back, give limited minutes in ways to freshman. But now all coaches know it’s a 1 year basis. So unless you’re a fringe 1st /nd rounder who might just need the edge to say you played for Cal, almost like a boost of reputation, it’s unnecessary or maybe even stupid to actually play for him. No development and can hurt stocks in ways. Take Wagner for example, he’s in desperate need of coaching. Edwards for example, desperate need of coaching. I just think for many recruits Cal can hurt you more then help.
As much trash I gave Cal, he did us a big favor by going to Arky.
@@BBNBRM-mt4gs according to a guy who speaks to ppl at Kentucky regularly, very significant people in both football and basketball, Calipari did not willingly leave. He tried to use Arkansas as leverage to get Brad on staff and keep Barnhart out of the program and it backfired. When it backfired he tried to agree to changes when he knew his efforts were lost and was told no, he’s out. If you look at his press conference and walk of shame, it’s clear Calipari never planned on going to Arkansas. National writers have also said they don’t believe Calipari intended to go there and was shocked when he realized just how bad things had gotten at UK.
I feel like all cals teams are just a bunch of small young guards with no size
Young people have fragile egos, Davis thinking he's the man and seeing Cal drool over his freshman I'm sure it shook him. But Cal will always favor freshmen, that's why he didn't use all his scholarships in the portal.
Cal only beating horrible teams by 10-15 is exactly what Kentucky fans expect. When's the last time he actually just blew out a bad team by 40+? Pope is doing it over and over again.
Took us "real" fans 4 years to run him out of town. And an AD that played his hand. They all scoffed at me for reaching out to Mark Pope while he was at BYU.
Cal hasn’t seen a final four since 2016
2015
And he committed coaching malpractice there, especially in the last 5 minutes of that loss to Wisconsin. The same malpractice he committed in 2008 in the loss to Kansas (when he coached Memphis). He tried to give away the 2012 title but MKG erased a defensive mistake with a freakishly athletic block. Thank you Arkansas for taking Cal off our hands.
wow thats 9 years ago?? damn i am gettin old
@@kerryskaggsThats not Cals fault. For defense? Lmao. 2015 what did he do wrong? Not play Ulis? Yall just talk
The last one he’ll ever see!! CAL RUINED UK BASKETBALL NOW ITS ARKANSAS😂😂
John can’t coach in the transfer portal era.
Talk about a bunch of guys who look at stat lines and don't actually watch games. Context is key for anything and the fact that these yockles, who have probably never played any sport at a high level, can wrap off about two teams with ZERO context to look down on one team is pathetic.
lol you guys are going to be soo wrong 😭😭😭
@@Dkoku418 Wrong about what?
still talking about arkansas lmao, jeff can’t get cal outta his mouth
Because Ark is a joke lol 😂
Shut up and judge Arkansas when all the pieces are healthy. How about that!?🤷🏽♂️
Yea I think they’ll play through Aidoo when he comes back. That’s going to be the offense.
Well, we were already judging because every year there's more unhealthiness with Cows team than anybody else. Wait n see. It's an excuse to not be performing where you should be and to keep people from risking their NBA spot to an injury. The stories I can tell you over the last 15 years. You'll always be an injury away like 2015.
@@johnnycorn7225Weird and stalker behavior from BBN. Leave that man alone.😂
I don't care nor do I follow Cal next ponzi scheme, I'm just glad he away from UK. In all honestly it was 5 years due. But what others are saying about him is true he's ful of excuses and deflections more than on court results. Maybe with 30 years of meaningless unsuccessful basketball desperation sets in.😂
@@samjones6557 Shaming attempt failed. Arkansas is not private property nor are the games that they play, and no one is a stalker for watching basketball. Strawman vaporized as well. 15 years of truth still on tape too. Use correct terms next time.
The question that has to be asked: what the hell happened to coach Calipari? I know, especially in sports, people have short memories. But there was a time when Cal wasn’t one of the biggest names in recruiting circles and he had to build his teams with mostly program players that ended up being juniors and seniors.
Sure, he had Derrick Rose, Marcus Camby, and Tyreke Evans sprinkled throughout those years but he wasn’t hauling in 5-6 one and comes every year.
And he was successful! Allegations aside, he had tremendous success at meh programs UMASS and Memphis. And it was largely due to being able to rely on his upperclassmen who knew his plays.
I’m not sure who this is now but this isn’t the John Calipari that earned an employment offer from the university of Kentucky and it isn’t the coach who was inducted into the HoF. His over reliance on freshman and laziness in his approach to teaching the game are newer facets to his coaching style, and I’m not sure why everyone is pretending he’s always been this way.
NBA draft success got Cal to sell out in sending players to the NBA first and foremost. He has had the most success sending athletic defense dominant interior players and get to the rim athletic guards. He focuses on those types of players accordingly.
"Both have excellent basketball programs"? Stop! 😂😂
John calamari can’t win a championship for shit
Jeff just need to get over his self!!! Jeff think that he is the king of basketball but not coaching just a arm chair coach
cal thinks he is as big as UK
UREKA!!!! you're not.
Big donnie t won big , putting a strong team together. I ook for great success once he takes over coaching job.
Enjoy floppy Arkansas fans.
Arkansas only got 7 players 💔🤦🏿♂️‼️💯 another reason
Cal has always wanted a 7-8 man rotation. 2015 was an anomaly and one he said he never wanted again
Well this happened a lot at UK. Every year from 2013 on UK had a player injured and out for a long period.
Look..most KY fans were born into it,Generations after Generations, unless you either from ky or been a alumi you'll never understand it..WE WANT TITLES AND TO DOMINATE, but produce good students and Pros..Bout like a Religion
I disagree. Arkansas is gonna have a rocky start. I see them in the sweet 16. I don’t see Kentucky there. Or USC.
We put it in his hands and he misses every shot or passes it back immediately!! They have a point Boogie had 7 ast and DJ had 5 ast!! Jeff shut up you don't know shit!!! Cal can't make him make shots.
Damn bruh. Yall stay hating on Calipari. Smh.
Is it not valid though
@@shelbyesters5732 actually Arkansas isn’t that bad, and y’all acting like Arkansas is the only team struggling in the whole nation, this channel is obsessed with coach Cal
Yeah the greatest choke artist coach of all time. Wow Oakland, Kansas State, and St Peters were all shaking at big bad Cal and his band of 5 ⭐ players. What about West Virginia or Wisconsin when he showed up with 2 future #1 draft pick and multiple lottery picks? He should donate most of salary to Anthony Davis and crew for overcoming his bad coaching and getting him his only championship. Thanks for playing 🤡.
💯
Wait for it... Six months Later..My God! Why did we pick Mark Pope😅😅😅😅😅
How many NCAA tournament games did Pope win at BYU again?
A lot of Kentucky fans coping so hard in the comments. Cali park is your second winningest coach of all time. Stop being the jealous ex girlfriend
The hate has to stop, he’s a great coach with great players that are hurt. Considering everything going on where actually playing really well in my opinion 💪🏾