Rick Pitino arrives at Big Blue Madness wearing Kentucky gear

On Friday, former Kentucky head coach Rick Pitino returned to Rupp Arena, stunning fans at Big Blue Madness. Pitino was joined by numerous Kentucky alumni, including several key members of his 1996 national championship team.

Pitino not only made an appearance, he donned Kentucky blue and embraced Kentucky fans as they showered him with cheers. When Big Blue Nation’s deafening roars finally quieted, Pitino delivered a message Kentucky fans won’t soon forget.

“I’m so happy to be back,” Pitino said. “Before I pack it in coaching, I want to go back to Camelot one more time. There’s no way I could return better. This is one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time because I visited all my players. I visited the fans that made me happy for every single day for eight years.

“There have been a lot of great coaches here, a lot of great ones, but we get to root for someone — that man, Kentucky, is what he’s all about. It’s not about [Mark] Pope… [He’s] the most humble, selfless young man I’ve ever coached in my lifetime. One of the great, great examples of what Kentucky basketball is all about.”

Welcome back to @Rupp_Arena, @RealPitino pic.twitter.com/Sa947xcKvo

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 12, 2024

Rick Pitino would know. He was the head coach at Kentucky from 1989-97. When he took over the program, it was on probation for a cheating scandal that unfolded under head coach Eddie Sutton. However, Pitino never allowed the scandal to slow down his vision for Kentucky basketball.

By 1993, Pitino led the Wildcats to an appearance in the Final Four and he didn’t slow down there. In 1996, Kentucky won its first national title since 1978 and nearly repeated in 1997, ultimately falling to Arizona in the national championship.

Pope was a captain on Pitino’s 1996 national championship team and the 72-year-old head coach believes his former captain will return Kentucky to glory.

“Mark Pope is going to lead you to greatness in every sense of the word,” Pitino said.

Kentucky fans can only hope Pitino is correct. While many coaches may feel pressure to succeed after Pitino’s words, Pope has made it clear from his first day at Kentucky that he will accept nothing but winning at the highest level.

“When Mitch (Barnhart) called me and talked to me about being the head coach here at Kentucky? I understand the assignment,” Pope said. “We are here to win banners.”

Kentucky will kick off its season on Nov 4. in a showdown against Wright State.