Alex Poythress returns to Lexington in support of La Familia, shows love to Mark Pope

It had been five years since Alex Poythress made his way back to Lexington. Until this past weekend, when the former Kentucky Wildcat returned to his old stomping grounds — he’s got some old college stories to retell with his former teammates.

Poythress walked into Rupp Arena on Sunday in street clothes. He’s not suiting up for La Familia — Kentucky’s alumni team — in The Basketball Tournament (despite Twany Beckham‘s best efforts) but knew that the opportunity to see so many old faces in one spot was too much to pass up. Plus, he spends his offseasons just a few hours south of UK.

Once La Familia won its opening TBT game on Friday, he scheduled a trip to Lexington for game two on Sunday, bringing fellow former ‘Cat, EJ Floreal, along with him.

“We were watching the games and I told them — I live in Nashville in the offseason now — so I’m like if they win I’ll come and support,” Poythress told KSR. “It looks like they’re having fun. Seeing Aaron (Harrison), Andrew (Harrison), Willie (Cauley-Stein), James (Young), everybody out there, Tyler (Ulis) as coach, it’s a nostalgic feeling. It’s good to see everybody having fun and just being out here again.”

They sure are having plenty of fun, too. La Familia is 2-0 in TBT so far with a Sweet 16 matchup against Herd That set for Tuesday night inside Rupp. And even if Poythress isn’t on the floor with them, he shares the same smile.

Alex Poythress and EJ Floreal made the trip to Rupp Arena for La Familia’s second round game. pic.twitter.com/WoOHha8Y1h

— Zack Geoghegan (@ZGeogheganKSR) July 21, 2024

Poythress spent four years at Kentucky (2012-16) before embarking on an ongoing professional career. He was teammates with the Harrison twins, Cauley-Stein, Young, and Ulis throughout his time as a Wildcat. Poythress was able to catch up with them all ahead of Sunday’s game (an 81-64 win over The Nawf) and cheer them on from the sidelines during the action. The Big Blue Nation quickly caught onto his arrival as well.

“It looks a little bit nicer. We didn’t have all these upgrades they got now,” Poythress said of Lexington and UK’s campus. “Everything is just getting nicer and nicer, so I’m happy for everybody.”

Poythress and Willie. It’s a vibe. pic.twitter.com/8pKBrO7uX3

— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) July 21, 2024

Kentucky “in good hands” with Mark Pope

Obviously, Poythress was recruited to and committed to Kentucky under the guide of former head coach John Calipari. He has full faith that Calipari (and assistant coach Kenny Payne, who followed Calipari to Arkansas) will thrive in his new situation. But he also has faith that new head coach Mark Pope is the right person to take over for Calipari.

“I think he’ll do great things, you know what I mean? They gave him the keys to the program, he’s an ex-Kentucky guy, so he knows what it takes to jumpstart to the next level. They’re in good hands,” Poythress said. “Pope is the right dude to lead into the next direction. I think he’s got the right mindset, I think he’s got the right energy, and Kentucky basketball is still Kentucky basketball.”

Poythress hadn’t yet met with Pope (who spent all weekend on the recruiting trail) but did stroll over to hang out with assistant coach Mark Fox for a few minutes on Sunday. He says he’ll continue to root for Calipari with the Razorbacks, but Kentucky is always going to hold a special place in his heart.

“I came here, I had four years here, so I still bleed blue.”

Since leaving Kentucky back in 2016, Poythress has traveled all around the globe to play basketball. After a brief stint in the NBA, he’s made stops in China, Turkey, Russia, Israel, and Italy. He recently signed a deal to return to Russia for the 2024-25 season and will play with Zenit Saint Petersburg, the same franchise he was with from 2020-22.

Life’s been treating the former ‘Cat pretty well since he was a college kid.

“I’m still playing,” Poythress said. “I’ve been playing overseas the last couple of years. Last year I was in Italy, the year before that I was in Israel in Tel Aviv. Hooping’s been good. I get to travel the world and still play the game I love for a living. It’s a blessing.”