When both programs hired new coaches a couple years ago it was obvious Pat Kelsey and Mark Pope would not only be judged by their own program standards and expectations, but also compared directly to one another.
Almost immediately both fan bases felt pretty good about their hires- year one for both coaches brought fun moments and a decent launching point, even if neither season ultimately met program expectations.
Both coaches then went to work on upgrading their rosters for year two. Pat Kelsey showed he could land five-star talent and make real splashes in the portal, while Pope appeared to put together one of the deeper teams in college basketball.
But neither second season met expectations (for a variety of reasons). In fact, both were a bit of a step back from year one, which I don’t think many people expected.
Now, heading into a make-or-break year three for both coaches and both programs the contrast is becoming glaring.
One coach continues to underwhelm while turning a proud program into something of a punchline behind the scenes. The other attacked the portal like his job depended on it and made it clear his only goal was to build the most talented roster possible.
UK fans have spent so much time comparing Pope to Cal, but Pope is getting outworked by more than just Arkansas. I'm not sure there's a rival where UK is currently in a better position.
Louisville fans are excited about the upcoming season. Kentucky fans are stuck in a near-constant state of frustration and meltdown.
Pat Kelsey was ready for the portal and the year three offseason. Mark Pope wasn't, and that's a major issue for Kentucky.
These big $$ defensive players need to ball out tonight for #DaBears
Montez Sweat ($25 mil)
Jaylon Johnson ($19 mil)
Tremaine Edmunds ($18 mil)
Grady Jarrett ($15 mil)
Kyler Gordon ($13 mil)
TJ Edwards ($10 mil)