Mark Pope sings Happy Birthday to Kentucky fan at Lexington restaurant

It’d be hard for Mark Pope‘s start at Kentucky to be much better through the first half of the season. That extends to off the court, too.

He’s quickly become a darling for the Big Blue Nation, which is eating up every bit of the fun-loving coach’s personality. After a monster win over No. 6 Florida on Saturday, Pope got a chance to give back in a little way.

While having a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant in Lexington, Pope watched as a cake was brought to a patron a table or two over. It was a birthday.

And when it’s time to sing, everyone sings, head coach included.

Check it out below as Mark Pope serenades one lucky fan on his special day.

@CoachMarkPope is having a victory dinner at Carson’s after his big win today. He sang my best friend happy birthday. A man of the people. @KySportsRadio @DrewFranklinKSR @JackPilgrimKSR @MrsTylerKSR pic.twitter.com/7YlK2ceWBt

— Clint Daniel Wilson (@clint_dizzle) January 4, 2025

Mark Pope notches special mark

Mark Pope became the first Kentucky coach since Adolph Rupp to win his first three games against AP Top 10 opponents, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Pope, has wins over Duke, Gonzaga and Florida so far this season.

Pope still has a ways to go to beat Rupp’s hot start, as he won his first seven games in such matchups ranging from 1948-51. Given the SEC’s heavy-handed nature in 2025, Pope might play seven in one season alone. However, beating all of them is another story.

That doesn’t take away from the tremendous start Mark Pope and his Wildcats are off to this season. Defeating a previously undefeated Florida team 106-100 to start SEC play on Saturday, the Wildcats look to be a legitimate player in an SEC that can easily put 10 or more teams in the NCAA Tournament.

Six Wildcats scored 14 points or more during the contest, and Kentucky’s leading scorer came off the bench. Koby Brea locked in for seven 3-pointers and 23 points while all five starters did their part in leading UK to victory.

It’s the fifth time Mark Pope’s squad has scored 100 points or more this season, as the Wildcats have proven to be one of the most fast-paced teams in the country this season.

On3’s Barkley Truax also contributed to this report.