After Kentucky demolished Loyola Maryland, Mark Pope delivered one of his strongest pushbacks yet against the growing claim that the Wildcats are suffering from locker-room issues. Pope called the chemistry narrative “low-hanging fruit,” saying it’s far too easy for outsiders to blame effort or personality clashes when a team struggles.
From the outside, the Wildcats haven’t always looked fully synced on the floor, but Pope insists the idea that his team doesn’t enjoy playing together is simply untrue.
He then dropped the line that’s now exploding across BBN:
“I don’t think that’s our issue at all right now… Loving is a verb that you actively do.”
To Pope, chemistry isn’t something you just claim—it’s something you build. It requires action, commitment, and daily investment. And he believes his players are putting in that work.
Why Pope Says Selfishness Isn’t the Problem
Pope also defended certain plays that may look selfish at first glance, saying fans often misunderstand the intent behind them.
> “A guy might come off as making what we would term a selfish play because he so desperately wants to help his team. That’s actually more often the case.”
Some might not fully buy that explanation, but Pope is adamant that ego isn’t hurting Kentucky. Instead, he says the real issue is much simpler: execution.
“It has to do with playing well and playing the game well and understanding how to play the game well.”
And he’s not wrong about the numbers. The Wildcats still rank:
NO15 in Two-Point Percentage (63.4%)
NO49 in Shooting Efficiency
Those aren’t the metrics of a fractured team—they’re the metrics of a group that needs sharper decision-making and cleaner play.
Now Comes the Proving Ground
Kentucky’s chance to silence every doubt arrives in December, when they face:
North Carolina. Gonzaga. Indiana. St. John’s.
Four heavyweights. Four tests. Four national stages.
If Pope is right—and the chemistry is real—this upcoming stretch will show it.
