Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has been selected to serve on the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Board of Directors, the organization announced Wednesday.
Pope joins eight other coaches as new members of the board, which oversees the NABC’s operations and represents more than 5,000 coaches nationwide. Minnesota State’s Matt Margenthaler will serve as president for the 2025–26 season. Other new additions include Scott Drew (Baylor), Dan Evans (North Georgia), James Jones (Yale), Charles Katsiaficas (Pomona-Pitzer), Ritchie McKay (Liberty), Jon Scheyer (Duke), Micah Shrewsberry (Notre Dame), and Brad Underwood (Illinois).
“As college athletics and the game of basketball undergo unprecedented transformation, it’s vital that coaches continue to present a unified voice and demonstrate sound national leadership,” said NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson in the release. “These nine coaches were identified by their peers as ideal candidates to represent our members, and their diverse perspectives will strengthen the NABC’s efforts to support the profession and grow the sport.”
Pope’s Immediate Impact at Kentucky
In just his first season at the helm of his alma mater, Pope guided Kentucky to a 24–12 record, including eight wins over AP Top-15 opponents — tying a historic mark set by Indiana (1992–93) and Duke (1978–79). Five of those victories came against Top-10 teams, a new program record.
Kentucky spent the entire season inside the AP Top 25, finishing No. 12 nationally. Pope etched his name in the record books by becoming just the second coach in program history — alongside Adolph Rupp — to win his first three matchups against AP Top-10 foes. Among those wins was a comeback thriller against No. 7 Gonzaga, where the Wildcats erased a 16-point halftime deficit to secure the victory, tying the largest halftime comeback in school history.
The Wildcats also advanced to the Sweet 16, defeating Troy and Illinois along the way. They became the first team in over two decades to reach the tournament’s second weekend without returning a single point from the previous season.
Statistically, Pope’s squad was among the best in the country. Kentucky ranked in the Top 10 in KenPom offensive efficiency, finished seventh nationally in scoring, and broke the program record with 341 made three-pointers. For the first time in school history, six players averaged double figures.
Looking Ahead
With his selection to the NABC Board of Directors, Pope now adds a national leadership role to his growing résumé. His voice will help shape the direction of the game while he continues building momentum in Lexington.
