“Mark Pope Made Me a Believer” — One National Analyst Says THIS Team Is Built to Win it All
College basketball fans, buckle up — because the Wildcats are coming.
Just over a year after the departure of legendary coach John Calipari, Kentucky fans were bracing for a rebuild. Instead, under head coach Mark Pope, they’ve become a national title threat — and people are finally starting to notice.
In a stunning turn of events, SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell just named Kentucky one of only nine teams with a legitimate shot at winning the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, ranking them No. 6 overall.
“I was skeptical when Pope was hired. Now I’m a believer,” said O’Donnell.
Let that sink in. In just one full offseason, Pope took a patchwork roster from the transfer portal, mixed in elite freshmen, and built a team that’s not only deep but dangerous.
The Mark Pope Effect: From Doubts to Dominance
When Pope was hired to replace Calipari, many questioned whether he could manage the pressure of coaching at Kentucky — the winningest program in NCAA history.
But he didn’t try to be Calipari. He built his team, his way — with a focus on spacing, shooting, connectivity, and toughness.
O’Donnell summed it up best:
“Pope developed connectivity and a whirling offense out of a roster entirely patched together through the transfer portal.”
That’s no small feat. In an era where chemistry takes time, Pope’s squad is already clicking — and the roster isn’t just talented, it’s loaded.
Meet the Squad That Could Shock the Nation
This year’s Kentucky team is deeper than it’s been in years, and here’s why experts are paying close attention:
Returning Core
Otega Oweh: A two-way wing who brings energy, physicality, and lockdown defense
Brandon Garrison: An experienced big who anchors the frontcourt and adds rim protection
These two provide leadership and continuity — something last year’s squad lacked.
Transfer Class of the Year?
Kentucky’s work in the portal could go down as one of the best hauls in the country:
Kam Williams: A lights-out shooter who provides much-needed perimeter scoring
Jayden Quaintance: A 6’10” defensive force who could anchor the paint if he’s fully recovered from an ACL tear
Jaland Lowe: A crafty point guard with excellent vision, but needs to improve his 3-point shooting (just 26% last season)
Denzel Aberdeen: A versatile combo guard who can run the offense or play off the ball
Don’t sleep on Aberdeen — insiders say he’s already outperforming expectations in early practices.
The Freshmen: Future Stars Arrive Early
Jasper Johnson: A 5-star Kentucky native who brings elite scoring ability and confidence
Malachi Moreno: A 7-footer with big upside. Still developing, but could become a major interior presence by midseason
The Big Questions Ahead
Of course, even title contenders have concerns:
Shooting Consistency: Can Lowe improve his outside shot?
Frontcourt Balance: How will Garrison, Quaintance, and Moreno split minutes — and who becomes the go-to guy down low?
Cohesion: This group is talented, but hasn’t played together in a live game. Can they build chemistry quickly?
Still, these are good problems to have. Most programs would love to have this much talent to figure out.
2026
Why Kentucky Can Win It All
O’Donnell believes the real difference-maker is Pope’s offensive system:
“This offense is elite. It generates open shots, uses spacing masterfully, and rewards unselfish play. With this much talent? The ceiling is a national title.”
And here’s the kicker — Kentucky might not even be peaking yet. If things click by February, they could become one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
This isn’t a rebuild anymore. It’s a reload. And the Wildcats are hungry.
Final Take: Don’t Be Surprised If Kentucky’s Cutting Down Nets in April
Mark Pope has already exceeded expectations. Now, with the national spotlight back on Lexington, Kentucky looks ready to chase Banner No. 9.
They started as underdogs. But they may finish as champions.
