Mark Pope is probably an upgrade in terms of on-court coaching (runs modern principles on offense, good coach) and a downgrade in program stability (will he consistently get kids? What level is he as a recruiter?)

Really interesting hire, honestly, for Kentucky. Could work well

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) April 12, 2024

Honestly don’t know what to say. I like Mark Pope as a person. If it comes together, It’s not the hire I would have made

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 12, 2024

If Mark Pope is hired at Kentucky I just feel compelled to say that Mark is one of the best people you could ever know. Fierce competitor. Man of character and integrity. Someone you feel comfortable sending your son to play for. A GREAT player. Better coach.

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) April 12, 2024

Mark Pope is going to show the country what Utah basketball is all about.

A fun fun brand of hoops with some awesome hoopers.

He will care too! An alum that won a national title at UK in the 90s. I’m a fan of this hire.

— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) April 12, 2024

Career NCAA tournament wins

Kansas Assistant Norm Roberts: 1

Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope: 0 pic.twitter.com/12XrEu4VeV

— RRinehart (@RRinehart2012) April 12, 2024

Y’all watched every game of the nine win season but mark pope is the line

— Trill Withers (@TylerIAm) April 12, 2024

If Mark Pope had never been an HC but been an asst on Cal’s staff for 8 years + got promoted as the alum hire, people would probably shrug and be fine w/ this

Instead he had *three* top 20 KenPom teams at BYU and successfully transitioned to the Big 12

I’ll take the latter

— Jim Root (@2ndChancePoints) April 12, 2024

“…and then they ended up with Mark Pope!” pic.twitter.com/dHr0B4a9oI

— Russell Smith (@Russell___Smith) April 12, 2024

Give Mark Pope this, he knows exactly what he’s getting himself into.

— Colby Wilson (@CWilson225) April 12, 2024

Nine years ago, Mark Pope was just taking over the job at Utah Valley. Tonight, he’s finalizing an agreement to become the next head coach at the University of Kentucky. Pope is one of UK’s own, is one of the good guys in the business and certainly has pride for the place.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 12, 2024

Mark Pope — from back-to-back fifth-place finishes in the WCC to the Kentucky job in 12 months!https://t.co/l3RqkU9088

— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) April 12, 2024

This hire isn’t fair to Kentucky fans nor Mark Pope…

He will be hired with mass disapproval.

— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) April 12, 2024

If Mark Pope is the next coach at Kentucky as these reports indicate I think it’s a great move. Mark is super smart and engaging, coaches an entertaining style, understands the job and won’t get caught up in the wrong stuff. All things considered this ended well for Kentucky.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) April 12, 2024

Kentucky fans after losing Cal and gaining Mark Pope pic.twitter.com/mSLKIEurhY

— Ben Devine (@BenDevine15) April 12, 2024

So I have a take: I don't hate hiring Mark Pope as head coach.

I think there's a chance he's good.

But you can hire Mark Pope in a week, month or two years.

At that point, you have to wait out Billy Donovan and circle back with Pope when the NBA season is done

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) April 12, 2024