What to know about new Kentucky basketball coach and 1996 national champion Mark Pope

Mark Pope is a well-known figure in college basketball, having had a successful coaching career at various levels before emerging as a top candidate for the vacant head coaching position at the University of Kentucky (UK) following John Calipari's departure. Here's a more detailed look at Pope's background:

Mark Pope was born on March 23, 1978, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Brigham Young University (BYU), where he worked as a student assistant under his mentor, Dave Rose, from 2000 to 2003. After leaving BYU, Pope spent two seasons (2003-2005) as an assistant coach at the University of Utah under Rick Majerus.

In 2005, Pope returned to BYU to serve as an assistant coach under his former mentor, Dave Rose, until 2008. During his time at BYU, he helped lead the Cougars to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments (2005-2007).

After leaving BYU, Pope spent two seasons (2008-2010) as an assistant coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) under Lon Kruger. In 2010, he joined the staff at Marquette University under Buzz Williams, where he spent five seasons (2010-2015). During his time at Marquette, he helped lead the Golden Eagles to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments (2011-2014).

In 2015, Pope was hired as the head men's basketball coach at Utah Valley University (UVU). In his six seasons at UVU (2015-2021), he led the Wolverines to three WAC regular-season titles (2017-2019) and two WAC tournament titles (2017-2018). He also led UVU to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018.

Pope's teams at UVU were known for their high-octane offense, with the Wolverines ranking in the top 50 in scoring offense in each of his six seasons. In addition, he has a reputation for developing players, with several of his UVU players going on to play professionally in the NBA or overseas.

Pope's coaching style is characterized by his emphasis on player development, team culture, and a fast-paced offense. He is also known for his strong work ethic and his ability to connect with his players.

In March 2021, Pope was named a finalist for the UK coaching job, along with former North Carolina State head coach Mark Gottfried and former Indiana head coach Archie Miller. On March 23, 2021 (his birthday), it was announced that he had been hired as the next head coach of the Wildcats.

Pope's tenure at UK will begin in the 2021-2022 season. He inherits a talented roster that includes five-star recruits TyTy Washington and CJ Fredrick, as well as returning players like Keion Brooks Jr., Davion Mintz, and Oscar Tshiebwe. With his proven track record of developing players and leading successful teams, Pope is poised to build upon the success that Calipari brought to UK during his tenure.

In summary, Mark Pope is a highly experienced and successful college basketball coach who has spent the past two decades working under some of the game's top coaches at various levels. He has a reputation for developing players, building strong team cultures, and implementing high-octane offenses. With his appointment as the next head coach of the University of Kentucky, he will look to continue that success in Lexington.