Mark Pope hosts Oscar Tshiebwe, Marcus Lee, Tod Lanter at Kentucky practice

Since becoming the next head coach at Kentucky in April, Mark Pope has emphasized the importance of Kentucky history. On Tuesday, the 51-year-old head coach embraced his message, hosting former Wildcats Oscar Tshiebwe (2021-23), Marcus Lee (2013-16) and Tod Lanter (2012-15).

All three of the former ‘Cats played under head coach John Calipari. Although Calipari moved on to Arkansas this offseason, they haven’t forgotten their alma mater. After all, they made no shortage of memories while with the program.

In the 2021-22 season, Tshiebwe was the Unanimous National Player of the Year and the SEC Player of the Year. In the following season, Tshiebwe was a Second-Team All-American, becoming the first Kentucky player since Kenny Walker to be named a unanimous All-American in two separate seasons.

While Lee was never an All-American at Kentucky, he was a human highlight reel. Lee was pivotal in Kentucky’s 2014 NCAA Tournament run to the national championship game.

Lee was particularly impactful in Kentucky’s nail-biting win over Michigan in the Elite Eight after UK starting center Willie Cauley-Stein suffered an injury in the Sweet Sixteen. For his efforts, Lee was named a member of the Midwest Regional All-Tournament team.

Lanter saw little action while at Kentucky but he made memories that will last a lifetime. Lanter was a member of the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll member all three seasons he was at UK.

Mark Pope has high hopes for Kentucky’s future

Pope can only hope his players can find the success of Tshiebwe, the courage of Lee and the selflessness of Lanter during their debut campaigns at Kentucky. They’ll need all of the traits if they hope to accomplish Pope’s lofty goals for the program.

“There’s a real dichotomy because our goals and the expectations are clear,” Pope said. “The expectations are different than anywhere else. It’s number nine. Like, assignment number nine and that’s what we talk about every single day is that our job is to come here and hang the ninth banner at the University of Kentucky.

“It’s daunting and it’s humbling because you understand how hard it is. I’m not naive to understanding,” Pope said. “It is nearly impossible, but this is the one program in all of college basketball where nothing less is acceptable. I want it. I want that challenge. Call me crazy, but I want it.”

Pope has his eyes set on a goal that no Kentucky team has accomplished since 2012. He wants to win it for current and former Wildcats alike.