In a brutally honest offseason press conference, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope didn’t hold back. Addressing one of the biggest criticisms from last season, Pope admitted what many fans had suspected: the team’s 3-point shooting strategy was a major letdown.
“I failed miserably at that last year. We would like to remedy that. It’s really important to us,” Pope confessed when asked about his plan to shoot 30–35 threes per game — a target that fell flat as the season unfolded.
Pope’s goal was to transform Kentucky into a perimeter-shooting powerhouse, but the reality on the court told a different story. The team struggled with consistency from beyond the arc, and the offense failed to fully capitalize on spacing and outside shooting opportunities.
Now, with a new season on the horizon, Pope is doubling down on his commitment to improve. The upcoming roster, he says, will still carry an “athletic focus,” but he’s determined not to let that come at the cost of perimeter production.
What’s Changing for Next Season?
Pope has hinted at a number of adjustments:
Targeting elite shooters in the transfer portal and recruiting class.
Recalibrating offensive sets to create more open looks from deep.
Placing a renewed emphasis on shot selection, rhythm, and floor spacing.
With expectations sky-high and the SEC growing more competitive by the day, Pope knows there’s little room for error. The Wildcats’ faithful are watching closely, hoping this public admission signals a turning point rather than a repeat of last year’s disappointment.
One thing is clear — Mark Pope has lit a fire under himself and his program. Whether that translates into buckets from deep remains to be seen, but the accountability is refreshing, and the determination is undeniable.
