Mark Pope played it positive in his first season as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.
The former UK basketball captain put together a roster on short notice last spring, and that group ended up going a long way in the NCAA Tournament, relative to the program’s recent past, at least.
But Pope, encouraging as he was during the 2024-25 season, knows that postseason trips that end in the Sweet 16 don’t meet the annual expectations of Kentucky fans. And, as last season progressed, he watched his team and saw areas that he’d like to shore up moving forward.
Rebounding was a common point of concern. So was team defense. And, especially once SEC play began, physicality, athleticism and plain, old grit were often traits Pope’s Cats lacked.
That shouldn’t be the case in year two.
A big reason why? Mouhamed Dioubate.
The mere mention of the name draws wide eyes, knowing smiles and shaking heads among UK’s returnees.
“I’m definitely glad he’s on our side now,” Trent Noah said. “I would not want to run into him, that’s for sure.”
Brandon Garrison, a 6-foot-10 post player, grinned as soon as the subject of Dioubate came up, later praising the 6-7 forward’s speed, mobility, physicality and defensive ability.
“I feel like me and him are going to connect really well,” Garrison said.
Otega Oweh, the Wildcats’ leading scorer last season, was full of praise for his new teammate.
“He’s a physical, physical big,” he said. “So I was excited when we got him. I thought that was a really good get. And I think he’s gonna help us a lot. What he brought to Alabama was that toughness and that grit. So I feel like that’s always good to have.”
Later, Oweh was asked what it would be like to play alongside Dioubate.
“Oh, it’s gonna be lovely,” he responded, a lilt in his voice that drew chuckles from those gathered around. “I know what he brings in. And I didn’t like playing against him, if I’m being honest. So I know he’s gonna have that same effect on other people and on other teams.”
