Kentucky Fans Outraged Over Mark Pope’s Naismith Snub
What was supposed to be a moment of recognition for Mark Pope, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, turned into frustration and disbelief for the fanbase. When the 2025 Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year Watch List was released, Pope’s name was nowhere to be found—despite his impressive work in his first season leading the team. For Big Blue Nation, this omission was not just surprising but outright disrespectful.
Pope’s Impactful First Season
Taking over as Kentucky’s head coach, Pope inherited a roster that many believed lacked depth and experience. Despite those challenges, he has transformed the team into a legitimate contender. As of late February 2025, Kentucky holds an 18-8 overall record and 7-6 in SEC play. Those numbers alone would be commendable, but considering the setbacks Pope has navigated—including injuries to key players like Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, and Kerr Kriisa—his coaching performance has been nothing short of remarkable.
Kentucky currently ranks 17th in the nation, and Pope’s defensive schemes have dramatically improved the team’s efficiency. The Wildcats jumped from 109th to 68th in KenPom defensive rankings, demonstrating a significant turnaround. Meanwhile, their offense remains one of the most explosive in college basketball, averaging 85.8 points per game.
Why the Snub Feels Unjustified
Even with these accomplishments, Pope was left off the Naismith Watch List, which many fans and analysts find incomprehensible. The most frustrating part? Kentucky has beaten five top-15 teams this season, and three of those victories came against teams coached by individuals who did make the list—Pat Kelsey (Louisville), Jon Scheyer (Duke), and Todd Golden (Florida).
For Kentucky fans, the numbers and results speak for themselves:
Beating multiple top-ranked teams
Turning a shorthanded roster into a national contender
Significantly improving the team’s defensive and offensive efficiency
Given these factors, many believe Pope deserved recognition over several coaches who were included in the watchlist.
Fan Reactions: “Where Is Pope?”
Unsurprisingly, Kentucky fans voiced their frustrations across social media. One fan pointed out, “Where is Pope? He beat 3 of these guys on the list.” Another called the decision “absurd”, questioning how Pat Kelsey could be included over Pope when Kentucky has faced a much tougher schedule in the SEC.
Beyond just his coaching acumen, many fans admire Pope’s leadership. Unlike some coaches who might focus on personal accolades, Pope prioritizes his players and the program’s culture. One fan summed it up perfectly: “Luckily, our coach cares more about his guys and his school than himself. The disrespect is comical.”
For Kentucky’s passionate supporters, this is not just about one award—it’s about a pattern of perceived bias against their program. One fan bluntly stated, “It’s always been Kentucky vs. the world.”
The Road Ahead: A Chance to Prove Himself
Despite the snub, Pope and the Wildcats still have a massive opportunity to prove their worth on the court. Kentucky’s next big test comes against No. 4 Alabama, a matchup that could further demonstrate why Pope should have been considered for the Naismith Award.
Regardless of what awards committees decide, Kentucky fans stand firmly behind their coach. Pope has already won them over—not with individual recognition, but with his ability to build a competitive, resilient team. Whether he receives official acknowledgment or not, his impact on Kentucky basketball is undeniable.