When it comes to one of college basketball’s most heated rivalries, most coaches have strong opinions on every detail — from the location to the timing. But Kentucky head coach Mark Pope? He’s keeping it simple.
Appearing on the Eye On College Basketball Podcast, Pope revealed that he’s unfazed by the news of the Louisville vs. Kentucky matchup being moved to November this year.
> “I don’t have a huge opinion on when, I just love playing the games,” Pope said.
For many fans, the annual clash between the Wildcats and Cardinals is a highlight of the season — traditionally played in late December as part of the non-conference slate. The change to November stirred plenty of chatter among the Big Blue Nation and Louisville faithful alike.
Yet Pope’s laid-back response shows where his focus lies: competing, no matter the date on the calendar. This approach aligns with his player-first mentality and his consistent emphasis on preparation over scheduling.
The Kentucky coach’s comments might also serve as a subtle message to his roster — that great teams adapt and embrace challenges, regardless of when or where they occur. And with the rivalry set to heat up earlier than usual, both sides will have less time to settle into their seasons before the fireworks begin.
Whether November or December, one thing’s certain: when Kentucky and Louisville hit the court, the intensity will be the same — and Pope will be ready.
