There was something poetic about it, at least according to Mark Pope, Kentucky debuting at No. 9 in the preseason rankings, on the same day Mark Pope mentioned seeing “nine everywhere.” In true Pope fashion, he didn’t let it pass as a coincidence.
A number that's everywhere
“I was elated that we came in at number nine,” Pope said. “We see nine everywhere we go. We think nine is in our future destiny, and we’re chasing it hard.”
That number isn’t just a seed or a spot in a poll to Pope. It’s a symbol, the ninth national championship that’s eluded Kentucky for more than a decade.