@CoachRyanKY
(ATLANTA)- In a game that lived up to every bit of the hype, the Kentucky Wildcats delivered an exhilirating 77-72 statement victory over the Duke Blue Devils. At the heart of it all? Kentucky’s Mark Pope. Known for his unrelenting passion, owning Rhodes Scholar candidate intelligence, and having more energy than the Energizer Bunny, Pope proved exactly why Mitch Barnhart brought him to Lexington.
This wasn’t just some win over a rival, it was a full recognition of a fan base desperate for basketball success. It also served as a perfect introduction for Mark Pope to the nation as Kentucky’s new ‘guy’. This storied rivalry with Duke was not brushed under the rug by Pope, instead he spent time leading up to the game showing his players clips of games past (good and bad) and explaining what this rivalry means to everyone that bleeds blue. After the off-season, Kentucky fans knew that Pope could recruit a roster and say the correct things to the media. What they didn’t know is that Pope can strategize and inspire greatness with the best-of-the-best around.
One of the first spots where one could see Pope’s influence in the game is on the defensive end of the floor. Kentucky played a swarming, switch-heavy style of defense that pressured Duke from the tip. This aggressive stance was no accident; it showed Pope’s understanding of Duke’s ability to nail the deep shot that has frustrated BBN time-and-time again. The willingness to go to his bench and rely on depth to maintain the high defensive pressure showed unbelievable confidence in his team’s preparation. (Much more than we can say for the last guy).
In the final minutes of the game, as Duke mounted a last-second effort at a comeback, Pope’s confidence had the time to shine, it was contagious, as his players executed winning basketball plays with remarkable poise down the stretch. Smart passes, making free throws, not shying away from contact, and not playing hero ball. You can mark all of those down as checks on the list of things that I love to see. Another thing I love to see? A choke-job from a Duke superstar. This time it came by way of Cooper Flagg with two costly turnovers late in the game. Sealing up the win for the Cats and sending all of Big Blue Nation into a frenzy.
If last night’s win is any indication, Kentucky has the potential to make a deep March run. When you add-in that Jaxson Robinson provided very little, you can see how good this team could be if they continue to execute with the precision that they have through the first three games of the season. I’m going to revel in this early win, drink all of the Duke tears, and enjoy it as it doesn’t happen often. Duke loses, America wins — Go Cats!
Like my work? Follow me on X @CoachRyanKY
Comments