Community responds to selection of new UK men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope
The University of Kentucky announced on Friday its decision to hire Mark Pope as the new Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball coach.
The decision comes just three days after former head coach, John Calipari, announced his departure from the program to accept a position at The University of Arkansas.
The reaction to the news online — from Kentucky fans and antagonists alike — has been mixed, and local reaction is no different.
Ethan Dossett is a fan of the University of Louisville but has mixed feelings about UK’s success, mainly because he avidly supports Travis Perry.
Perry played an integral role in Lyon County High School’s state championship title and is slated to attend the University of Kentucky when he graduates in the fall.
“I do think that he might do well here, I don’t think he’s going to do as good as if you brought in a Billy Donovan or if Kentucky swallowed their pride and brought back Rick Pitino,” Dossett said. “Coming from a Louisville fan I hope that’s not the case, coming from a Travis Perry fan, I hope they do well.”
Following Calipari’s announcement, several names were floated as potential replacements, including Billy Donovan, Bruce Pearl, Scott Drew, and even Rick Pitino.
For decades, Akridge Farm Supply in Eddyville has been a center for basketball culture in western Kentucky, and there is no shortage of opinions about the hiring of Pope.
