Following Kentucky’s 76-57 victory over Troy in the NCAA Tournament, head coach Mark Pope addressed the media, reflecting on the team’s performance, individual player contributions, and his personal connection to Milwaukee.
Opening Remarks
Pope began by commending Troy’s effort, acknowledging their successful season and the challenges they presented during the game. He expressed pride in his team’s resilience and execution, noting that their defensive performance was among the best of the season, allowing only 57 points—the second-best defensive effort for Kentucky this year.
Personal Connection to Milwaukee
The coach shared his fondness for Milwaukee, reminiscing about his time playing for the Bucks under coach George Karl. He highlighted that his oldest daughter was born in the city, making the location of his first NCAA Tournament win as a head coach particularly meaningful.
Player Contributions
Pope praised several players for their performances:
• Amari Williams: Despite sustaining a back injury during practice on Thursday, Williams played through the pain, contributing significantly on defense with 13 rebounds (12 defensive) and four assists. Pope acknowledged Williams’ determination and expressed optimism about his readiness for the next game.
• Lamont Butler: Returning from a shoulder injury that limited his practice time, Butler’s defensive presence was pivotal. Although he didn’t score, his three assists, two rebounds, and a block in 25 minutes resulted in a game-high +22 impact on the court. Pope emphasized Butler’s toughness, noting that his “arm is hanging on by a thread,” yet he continues to set the defensive tone for the team.
• Otega Oweh: Pope highlighted Oweh’s consistency and ability to exploit mismatches, particularly against Troy’s smaller lineup. Oweh’s combination of size and strength made him a formidable presence in the lane, underscoring his status as one of Kentucky’s best players.
Looking Ahead
When asked about securing his first NCAA Tournament win as a head coach, Pope deflected personal accolades, emphasizing that his focus is on the team and the broader Kentucky basketball community. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to represent the program and is eager to see how the team can build on this victory in the tournament.
Pope also addressed the team’s defensive improvements, acknowledging that while injuries have been a challenge this season, the collective effort on defense has been crucial. He credited players like Butler, Oweh, and Williams for elevating the team’s defensive capabilities, which will be essential in their upcoming matchup against either Illinois or Xavier.
Community Engagement
Demonstrating his commitment to the Big Blue Nation, Pope had previously offered to assist fans with gas money to attend the game in Milwaukee. True to his word, he covered travel expenses for several students, reinforcing the strong bond between the team and its supporters.
In summary, Pope’s postgame comments reflected a deep appreciation for his players’ resilience, a focus on team over individual achievements, and a heartfelt connection to both the location and the Kentucky fan base.
