Kentucky fans are still buzzing after that 84–70 exhibition loss to Georgetown — and not in a good way. The energy that surrounded Mark Pope’s debut squad took a hit, but here’s the thing: this loss might actually be exactly what the Wildcats needed. Behind the frustration, there’s a hidden upside that could pay off big once the season starts. Let’s break down why this setback might secretly be Kentucky’s biggest win in disguise.
For a team built on new faces and fresh chemistry, this game was more of a wake-up call than a warning sign. Kentucky’s offense looked disjointed at times, but that’s part of the growing pains Pope has expected early. Otega Oweh shined with 17 points, showing he can be a reliable scorer even on a cold shooting night — and that’s a major takeaway for a team still searching for its go-to guy.
The Wildcats also got a reality check on defense and physicality, areas Pope has emphasized since taking over. Georgetown’s toughness exposed Kentucky’s gaps in communication and rotation — the kind of issues that film sessions and practice can fix before the games start counting. It’s better to find those flaws now than in December.
And perhaps the biggest silver lining? Leadership. The loss forces veterans and returnees like Oweh, Mo Dioubate, and Trent Noah to step up vocally and set the tone for a young roster that’s still learning what it means to wear “Kentucky” across their chest.
Mark Pope called it “a learning moment” — and that’s exactly what it was. This group now knows it can’t just rely on talent; it needs chemistry, defense, and grit. The road to March is never smooth, but sometimes a stumble in October can spark the mindset that builds champions.
It may have been an exhibition loss — but if Kentucky learns from it the way Pope expects, it might be the loss that defines their season.
