Big Blue Nation was already familiar with Mark Pope as a member of the 1996 National Championship team, but he was presented today as the University of Kentucky’s next head basketball coach.
Pope and his teammates from the 1996 National Championship squad arrived in a bus, as they did after winning the Natty, and Pope was the last to exit with the trophy. The audience roared as if the Wildcats had struck a game-winning shot against Louisville. 
Mitch Barnhart began the opening news conference by thanking various people before rallying the audience. After that, he let Coach Pope deliver his message, and the entire Big Blue Nation was prepared to run through a brick wall.
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Pope began by talking about his family, and he repeatedly brought the audience to its feet. He talked about what he learnt while playing at Kentucky and how he has applied these teachings throughout his life.
He then discussed how he hopes to attract a combination of five-star cas well as those who would remain around and play for four years.
Kentucky signee Travis Perry was in attendance, and according to his reaction, it’sBig Blue ccwas surprised when Barnhart hired Pope, but after seeing every seat in Rupp Arena for a press conference, it’s easy to say the people of Kentucky are on board for the future.
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