Mark Pope and UK's seniors thanked BBN: "We're not done yet."

After beating LSU by 31 points in the home finale, Mark Pope and Kentucky‘s six seniors had a round of parting messages for the Big Blue Nation before walking off Cawood’s Court for the final time in 2024-25. Pope grabbed Rupp Arena’s microphone to address the home crowd from midcourt, telling BBN, “We are so sad that this is the last time that we get to do this with you in Rupp Arena this season.“

With his entire team around him, Pope bragged on the team’s regular-season accomplishments. “A group that came together in a very short period of time,” he said. “Played the third-hardest schedule in all of college basketball. In the top five in Quad 1 wins of any team in college basketball. And no team, not even my ’96 team, won more top-15 games in a season than this Kentucky Basketball team.”

Pope then turned to his six seniors who played their last home game as Wildcats. Andrew Carr spoke first, telling fans, “Thank you to all of BBN from the bottom of my heart. I’m a Wildcat for life. I’ll be back, and go Cats.”

Starting point guard Lamont Butler was next. “What’s up, BBN? First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, just for giving me this opportunity to be here and be in this amazing environment with all of you guys and around this special group of players and coaches. It’s a dream come true for me, and we’re not done yet.”

Unfortunately, Jaxson Robinson‘s playing career is done. He will have wrist surgery tomorrow. Still, he thanked the fans for their support and looked ahead to great things to come. “I just want to take the time to shout out my teammates, my coaches, my parents, and, most of all, BBN. This team appreciates your support, so thank you for a great ride this year, and we can’t wait to finish it out in the postseason.”

After Robinson, Ansley Almonor shared his gratitude for Kentucky, letting the crowd know that BBN is the reason that Kentucky is special. “I want to thank all of you guys because you guys are the reason why Kentucky is what it is. You guys make this program so special. Your support is one of a kind. You don’t see it anywhere. You know, I come from a small, little town in New York. A lot of people didn’t think I’d make it here, so I just want to thank God for allowing me to make it to this level and chase number nine.”

Koby Brea also assured the crowd that there is plenty more ahead for the Wildcats. He said, “First of all, I want to thank God for the opportunity to be here with you all. Most importantly, I want to thank you all for accepting me with open arms since I got to campus. It’s been a hell of a year, and we have a lot more to do, so let’s get it.”

Lastly, Amari Williams, the most quiet player on the team, stepped forward to a loud roar. Williams told BBN, “I don’t really speak that much, but I just want to say thank you all. Everywhere we go around the city, you guys always show love. It means a lot to me and my teammates, so thank you.”

Pope wrapped things up with a list of UK’s best wins in his first season.

“Beating Duke, super special. On the road at Gonzaga, super special. Of course, we beat Louisville. But we’ve got a lot more to do! So we’ll see you in Missouri on Saturday. We’ll see guys in Nashville and then the NCAA Tournament.”

Watch Kentucky say thank you to the fans

(KSR on YouTube)