“We’re mostly sad this is over,” said Mark Pope after Kentucky’s 78-65 loss to Tennessee in the Sweet 16. There was emotion in those words. Indeed, this team had come a long way. After John Calipari left, Pope inherited a program in disarray. A program that hadn’t made it past the first weekend of March Madness in six long seasons. But in his first season, Pope turned things around and guided the Wildcats to the Sweet 16. Now, with the season over, Pope must deal with his toughest challenge yet: building a roster next year that can keep the momentum going.

Things were not looking good when Pope first came to Kentucky. No returning players, no recruits, the program was in a state of upheaval. Instead of panicking, Pope turned to the transfer portal. Bringing in players like Lamont Butler from San Diego State and Koby Brea from Dayton. He also added three freshmen to fill out the roster. Blending so many new faces wasn’t easy, but Pope’s energy and his focus on team chemistry were just what was needed. The result? His first season at Kentucky took everyone by surprise. So, can he do it again?

Mark Pope has a huge task, and it will not be easy with potential departures (six senior players) on the horizon. Travis Perry is the only player who’s definitely returning and Trent Noah has said he might but hasn’t confirmed anything as yet. The rest of the players are still trying to wrap their heads around the end of the season and haven’t made up their minds yet. They’re waiting to have talks with Coach Pope before deciding their next moves.

Interestingly, Pope had shown that he could rebuild quickly, but the next challenge is keeping the momentum going. Pope’s roster remains uncertain, with many players holding onto their decisions. But Mark Pope isn’t wasting any time trying to build a strong roster for next season.

Mark Pope pursues UCF’s star to boost roster

A Zoom meeting with UCF star Keyshawn Hall, a 6’7″ guard who averaged 18.8 ppg and 7.1 rpg last season, has already been set up by Pope and his staff. Hall’s size and scoring ability make him a perfect fit for Kentucky’s fast offense. His commitment to Kentucky, if he decides to go that way, would help fill the void left by the seniors set to graduate.

Pope was asked on his radio show what his strategy would be for next season’s team. He said, “Have some guys that have staying power and bring some really talented freshmen as well as some guys that understand what Kentucky is all about.” Clearly, Pope is looking for contributors that not only can contribute immediately but also can stick around for the long haul and embrace what it means to play at Kentucky.

Not to mention, Kentucky’s recruiting class is stacked with top talents. Featuring three five star players in guards Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis, and center Malachi Moreno. With solid returnees like Travis Perry, Trent Noah, and possibly Collin Chandler, these freshmen are expected to make an immediate impact.

Big Blue Nation should be excited for what is to come under Mark Pope. The Wildcats are looking at another season that could cause a splash in college basketball, and they have a good recruiting class with key players returning. All signs point towards the future, and Kentucky basketball has definitely returned to the map.