New Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Had Such an Electric Entrance at Sold-Out Rupp Arena

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 14, 2024

Former Kentucky basketball player and new head coach Mark Pope / Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier Journal / USA

Kentucky welcomed new men's basketball coach Mark Pope on Sunday for his introductory press conference, and he delivered an electric entrance in front of a sold-out crowd at Rupp Arena.

Pope takes over the role vacated by John Calipari, who departed for the Arkansas Razorbacks following the Wildcats' first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, and fans were fired up to meet the program's new head coach.

Accompanying Pope to greet the Kentucky faithful on Sunday was none other than the Wildcats' 1996 national championship squad, which Pope was a member of. The team filed out of a bus to thunderous applause from fans at Rupp Arena. Pope was the last one off the bus, and he made his entrance hoisting the '96 championship trophy.

Possibly the most badass entrance ever into Rupp Arena.

The 1996 Kentucky championship team walks out of the bus, with new coach Mark Pope hoisting the trophy.

Welcome home Coach! pic.twitter.com/uKgxDkHqlm

— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) April 14, 2024

Pope played the final two seasons of his college career for Kentucky. He averaged 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game during the team's run to the championship, coached by none other than Rick Pitino. He got most of the band back together to make his introduction a special moment for Big Blue Nation.