Mark Pope Opens Up About John Calipari’s Return to Lexington: “I Love Cal for What He Did for Kentucky Basketball”
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope had nothing but respect and appreciation for John Calipari as the former Wildcats coach prepared to return to Lexington. When asked about Calipari’s impact, Pope didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the lasting legacy left behind.
“I love Cal for what he did for Kentucky Basketball,” Pope said. “He built something special here, and you have to respect that.”
Calipari, who led Kentucky to a national championship in 2012 and multiple Final Four appearances, spent 15 seasons as the face of the program before departing for Arkansas. His return to Rupp Arena will be emotional for both fans and players, as he helped shape Kentucky’s modern identity with his one-and-done philosophy and ability to recruit elite talent.
Pope, a former Kentucky player himself, understands the weight of coaching in Lexington. While he’s now focused on leading the program into a new era, he made it clear that Calipari’s contributions won’t be forgotten. As the Wildcats faithful prepare to welcome their former coach back, Pope’s words serve as a reminder of the deep respect that still exists between past and present leadership at Kentucky.
