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Kentucky

Mark Stoops says Kentucky's national ranking 'helps' program

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•09/27/22•

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Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky is enjoying success right now which they haven’t experienced in 45 years. The No. 7 Wildcats were ranked eighth for a moment in 2007, but you have to go back all the way to 1977 to find the last UK team ranked seventh or better in the nation. It represents how far the team has come under Mark Stoops as he says it’s something that’s incredible for the program.

Stoops spoke about Kentucky’s latest AP Poll ranking during his press conference on Monday. He said the most important thing is that that ranking remains or improves because the Wildcats continue to win. Still, he also recognizes the significance it has to his team as well as the future of the program.

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“I mean I like it there. I’d like it to stay there. That’s really what’s most important,” said Stoops. “Sure it helps with the fanbase, showing up, and having people there. It helps in recruiting, it helps with your team. And hopefully it motivates them to practice hard to stay that way because we have a very tough stretch coming up starting here this week.”

While it’s an incredible feat in Lexington, Stoops wants to keep his players locked in on the right thing. Neither their veterans nor their young players have experienced this kind of national spotlight. That’s why he wants to see his players keep their energy on preparation and being ready for their next challenge.

“Our team is mature enough,” Stoops said. “Certainly there’s some young guys that need to still be taught quite a bit. But the leadership of this team knows that (the ranking) is fine but it’s really about how we practice, how we prepare, and getting ready for a really good team and another tough challenge.”

Kentucky will have another chance at a resume-boosting win this weekend against No. 14 Ole Miss. That opens their real SEC season with a gauntlet of South Carolina, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Georgia to follow. However, this is a foundation that could lead the Wildcats to special things this season. If Kentucky wants to keep that momentum, though, they’ll need a win in Oxford on Saturday.