BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (WYMT) – The SEC Tipoff ‘26 started on October 14, with the first day wrapping up with Kentucky Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mark Pope taking the podium.
Pope is entering his second year at the helm of at Kentucky, finishing with a Sweet 16 appearance and a 24-12 record.
“It has been the greatest year of all-time for the Pope family,” Pope stated. “We’ve got to immerse ourselves in Kentucky basketball.
Kentucky comes into this season as the ninth-ranked team in the country in the Associated Press’ Preseason Top 25 Poll.
“I was elated that we came in at number nine,” Pope said. “We see nine everywhere we go. We think nine is in our future destiny and we’re chasing it hard, so I was really thrilled with that.”
The Wildcats return some key pieces, including Preseason SEC player of the year, Otega Oweh.
“Otega’s a guy where you just can not turn off his competitive motor,” said Pope. “He’s been through this. He understands it. He knows what he’s in for. He understands the pressure of the moment. He understands everything that Kentucky is.”
One newcomer to keep an eye on is sophomore forward, Jayden Quaintance, who is still recovering from an ACL tear, but could be on the court some time in the near future. Pope did not give an expected time table for Quaintance’s recovery.
“I’m not exactly sure how far away it [Quaintance’s recovery] is,” said Pope. “I don’t think there is a chance we could keep him from playing this season. He’s too excited, too talented, worked too hard to get back. He’s gonna be really special.”
The Wildcats will face 11th-ranked and archrival Louisville at 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 11 inside the KFC Yum! Center.
“I think its good for the game when the teams with great tradition are good,” stated Pope.
Kentucky begins their season with an exhibition game inside Rupp Arena against No. 1 Purdue at 6:00 p.m. on Oct. 24.
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