Kentucky’s 84–70 exhibition loss to Georgetown wasn’t just an early-season stumble — it was a reality check. And the most concerning part wasn’t the scoreline. It was what Mark Pope admitted after the game: his team was completely unprepared for a defensive scheme he knew was coming.
“I just did a poor job”
After the loss, Pope didn’t hide behind excuses. When asked why Kentucky’s offense looked so disorganized, he gave a blunt answer: “I just did a poor job.”
The Wildcats shot just 33% from the field, turned it over 15 times, and looked lost against Georgetown’s “Aggie switch” defense — a scheme designed to clog driving lanes by switching on handoffs and sliding a help defender from the weak side.
It’s a smart, disruptive style — and one that completely stalled Kentucky’s offense.
Why didn’t Kentucky practice for it?
That’s the question many fans are asking. If Pope knew the Hoyas would use that defensive look, why wasn’t the team prepared to handle it?
The answer might lie in the NCAA’s strict practice-time rules. Coaches are limited to 20 hours per week during the season, with only 4 hours per day and one mandatory day off. For a first-year Kentucky coach trying to install a brand-new system with an almost entirely rebuilt roster, every minute matters.
Pope may have focused his limited time on teaching his own concepts rather than countering an opponent’s strategy he doesn’t plan to use himself. It’s a difficult balance — but one that might’ve cost Kentucky in this game.
A sign of a bigger issue
Still, this goes deeper than one exhibition game. It highlights the challenge Pope faces in molding a new team under intense expectations. With limited practice hours and constant pressure to win now, there may be moments this season where Kentucky learns lessons the hard way — in live action, not in the gym.
And now that Georgetown’s approach worked so effectively, it gives future opponents a clear blueprint on how to slow Kentucky down.
Mark Pope took the blame, but this wasn’t just about one bad night or one defensive scheme. It exposed a bigger question about how this team prepares, adapts, and grows in real time.
Kentucky will get better — but the growing pains are real, and Pope’s honesty made that clear.
