Since his arrival in Lexington about 18 months ago, Mark Pope has brought a mix of energy, optimism, and memorable slogans to the Kentucky basketball program. From rallying around “Raise Banner No. 9” to preaching that every Wildcat must “understand the assignment,” Pope has always believed in the power of shared language.
Now, heading into his second season as head coach — and with arguably the most talented roster in college basketball — Kentucky has a new phrase guiding everything they do: “MP4T.”
In Kentucky basketball speak, that means Make Plays for Teammates.
A Motto That Defines the Wildcats’ Identity
“It’s self-explanatory,” sophomore forward Trent Noah said. “It’s something we stress every day.”
The slogan took root this summer during Kentucky’s eight-week practice session. With four returning players and 10 newcomers, developing chemistry became as important as developing skills. “MP4T” became the rallying cry for that mission.
Senior guard Denzel Aberdeen put it plainly: “It’s what we talk about every single day. Making plays for each other — it could be an assist, a screen, spacing right, anything that helps a teammate get a better shot.”
What “MP4T” Looks Like in Action
The Wildcats aren’t just talking about unselfishness — they’re putting it into action.
“Passing up a good shot for a great one,” said sophomore guard Kam Williams, who transferred from Tulane. “Even something small, like giving your teammate space to drive, that’s making a play for him.”
It’s a concept that goes beyond statistics. Most “MP4T” moments won’t show up in the box score.
“Shine in whatever you’re doing,” said Reece Potter, a Lexington native who joined Kentucky after two seasons at Miami (Ohio). “Whether it’s screening, cutting, or rebounding — it’s about doing something that helps your teammate succeed.”
Playmaking at the Core of Pope’s System
Playmaking has always been central to the offensive philosophy of Mark Pope and his longtime assistant Cody Fueger. The two have spent over a decade together — from Utah Valley to BYU to Kentucky — and their track record speaks for itself.
In their final season at BYU (2023–24), their offense ranked 14th nationally in efficiency. Last season, their first at Kentucky, the Wildcats jumped to 10th in the country, averaging 123.7 points per 100 possessions.
This season’s expectations? Even higher. Preseason KenPom projections have Kentucky ranked ninth nationally in offense.
“I think we’re coming around; it’s a process,” Pope said after the Blue-White Game. “It’s something we’re increasingly getting a feel for.”
Blending Individual Talent with Team Play
This year’s roster is loaded — from returning contributors like Noah, Otega Oweh, and Brandon Garrison to impact newcomers like Aberdeen, Williams, and Jayden Quaintance.
But even with all that firepower, Pope knows that Kentucky’s success will depend on balance.
“We’ve got several guys who can beat people off the bounce,” Pope said. “Balancing that with our off-ball movement is going to be really important. It’s going to be a dance — blending those two skill sets.”
That balance will be tested early, especially as Kentucky deals with injuries to Jaland Lowe (right shoulder) and Jayden Quaintance (ACL recovery). But Pope remains confident his team’s depth — and their commitment to “MP4T” — will carry them.
How “MP4T” Connects to Kentucky’s 3-Point Explosion
If Kentucky’s unselfishness looks familiar, it’s because the system thrives on spacing and shooting — and last year’s team showed just how dangerous that can be.
The 2024–25 Wildcats shattered the school record for made three-pointers with 341, surpassing Rick Pitino’s 1992–93 squad. With “MP4T” emphasizing spacing, shot quality, and selfless play, Pope expects that trend to continue.
“Spacing the deep corner is part of it,” Noah explained. “It brings gravity toward your defender and opens up lanes for your teammates. Every cut or kick-out helps make the next play easier.”
Williams added, “It can be on or off the ball — a screen assist, a cut assist, even a rebound that leads to a kick-out three. That’s all ‘MP4T.’”
A Connected Group Ready for the Challenge
Aberdeen believes Kentucky’s togetherness off the court is helping them thrive on it.
“No one on this team is selfish,” he said. “We all share the ball and push each other. Practices are competitive, but it’s fun because everyone’s got the same goal.”
That goal will be put to the test immediately when No. 1 Purdue comes to Rupp Arena this Friday night for the Wildcats’ exhibition opener.
Still, with their shared mindset and new motto, Pope’s team looks ready for whatever comes next.
“We’re not just talking about making plays,” Pope said. “We’re learning how to make them for each other. And that’s when we’ll be at our best.”
