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Mark Pope introduced to Kentucky fans as new head coach for first time

Related Topics: Mark Pope, Jeff Sheppard

New Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope was introduced to fans for the first time on Sunday after being hired on Friday.

Pope arrived to a packed house inside Rupp Arena, with tens of thousands of fans excited to see the new man in charge, so much so that some fans were turned away at the door.

Mark Pope greets fans at his introductory press conference as the new head coach of Kentucky men’s basketball on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Abbey Cutrer | Staff

Riding in on a bus with legends from the history of Kentucky men’s basketball, including Jeff Sheppard, Rex Chapman and Jack “Goose” Givens, with trophies displayed next to the stage, Pope received a massive ovation from fans.