Following Kentucky’s dominant 88–46 win over Loyola (Maryland), head coach Mark Pope stepped to the podium with a tone Big Blue Nation hasn’t heard in a while — confident, intense, and absolutely convinced that his team is about to turn a major corner. Here’s everything he said after the Wildcats’ blowout victory at Rupp Arena.
Opening Statement
“All right guys, proud of our guys. It was a good game. This Loyola team is going to have a good season. Hit me with questions.”
On Kentucky’s Defensive Improvement
Pope praised the progress in gap coverage, positioning, and shell principles.
“We have to get better — and we will. It’s an every-day grind, and our guys were intentional about that tonight.”
On Whether He’s ‘OK’ After the Michigan State Loss
A reporter asked Pope if he was doing alright emotionally.
“We need to play better. We’re going to stop at nothing to get better. We won’t sleep, we won’t eat, we won’t do anything until we get better.”
He doubled down:
“This is my happy space. Getting in the mud, growing, being relentless — that’s how you build something great.”
On Why Kam Williams Impacts the Game Even When He’s Not Scoring
Pope said Williams consistently fills the stat sheet.
“He shows up in every category. He needs to be more vocal, more physical, and more comfortable offensively. But he’s a quiet stat-stuffer.”
He compared him to early-season Koby Brea, who avoided contact at first but grew quickly.
“We need him to be great — and he will be.”
On Otega Oweh Responding to the Loss
Pope said Oweh took the Michigan State performance personally, like the entire team.
“He showed flashes tonight of real Otega Oweh defense — physical, passionate, committed. That’s the guy. And we have to grow that.”
On Starting Malachi Moreno
He said the lineup change wasn’t a message — just a necessity.
“Without Mo, we needed to adjust at the four. Malachi complemented Kam better. He’s been playing well.”
But Pope said the real lesson was Brandon Garrison’s response.
“BG grabbed 11 rebounds off the bench. That’s the mindset we need — it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do with it.”
On Spacing and Offensive Flow
Pope noted that the Kam-Malachi lineup created spacing he’s familiar with, but intentionality mattered more.
He pointed out one of his favorite plays:
“Otega gets downhill, pivots to two feet, and throws a hook pass to Collin in the corner. That force and aggressiveness has been missing.”
On Mo Dioubate’s Availability and Big Lineups
“I think Mo could play if both his legs fell off — he’s that type of person. But I’m not putting him out there until he’s healthy.”
He also liked the Garrison-Malachi pairing:
“That lineup might help us with physicality. BG can guard one through four. We don’t lose anything defensively.”
On How He Recovers Emotionally From Losses
Pope admitted he handled the Michigan State loss poorly.
“I’m a terrible loser. I hate losing with a passion unknown to Earth — especially here. This jersey matters.”
But he said the difficult moments energize him:
“I’m so happy in the misery of it. We’re in a hole and we have to dig out. Bring it. I’m pissy, but I’m good.”
On Seeing His Team Enjoy the Game Again
Pope said joy had been missing the past 10 days.
“There’s no joy in losing. The joy is in becoming something. We’re going to learn to take care of each other and fight for each other. We’re not there yet — but we will be.”
On the Team’s 13 First-Half Assists
Kentucky had 13 assists in 17 minutes after only 13 in the entire Michigan State game.
“Michigan State is terrific defensively, but we were indecisive. Our style demands decisions. You must be aggressive and live with the outcome. Tonight we were more free.”
On Talking Basketball at Home With His Wife, Lee Anne
Pope said they talk hoops often, especially about players as people.
He shared a moment from practice:
“I sat down salty after practice. Every guy came by and hugged Lee, talked about life, family, haircuts — everything. I can’t be that person right now. She is. And it matters.”
