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Mark Pope explains how Kerr Kriisa’s surprise party led to Kentucky’s double-digit runs vs. Florida

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•01/05/25•

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Dec 14, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope watches the action during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope watches the action during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Off-court chemistry is key to on-court success. On Saturday, Kentucky proved just that in its 106-100 win over Florida. After the game, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope explained how his team throwing a surprise party for Kerr Kriisa impacted their performance against the Gators.

“All of my guys snuck into Kerr Kriisa’s apartment after celebrating his birthday to go scare him and surprise him,” Pope said. “My guy that is struggling right now because he can’t play right now and it’s killing him. They all snuck into his apartment like little kids, to go surprise him.

“I actually think those runs come from a group like that. I really do. I think it comes from being together and these guys are working so hard to be together as much as they can. I think that’s probably the most important ingredient.”

Kriisa, who is currently out due to a foot fracture, had his birthday on Jan. 2. Kentucky senior Andrew Carr organized a surprise party for Kriisa and had the team pack into his house while he was away.

When Kriisa hobbled through the front door on crutches, the team jumped out from their hiding spots, startling Kriisa. Nonetheless, as soon as the shock wore off, Kriisa couldn’t help but smile. After the team’s win on Saturday, Koby Brea discussed the value of showing love to their teammate.

“I know what it feels like to be in his shoes, to have to go through an injury is really tough,” Brea said. “I know it’s always really hard for him. But to have guys like us that — we’re his brothers. 

“At the end of the day, we just want to show up for him and show him that. He was really emotional about it because there’s not a lot of places you can go to and get that kind of love. It was a great moment for us to be there for him and spend a lot of time with him on his birthday and just make that day special for him.”

Kentucky gave Kerr Kriisa plenty to cheer about from the sidelines on Saturday. In the win, the Wildcats looked like a well-oiled machine, shooting 57.8% from the field and 48.3% from 3-point range. Moreover, Kentucky recorded 25 assists in the win compared to Florida’s 16.