Mark Pope on Kentucky floods: "It's important we remember what's going on around this state right now"

We’re a few more days removed from Saturday’s deadly floods but the disaster remains in the front of Mark Pope’s mind. Pope started his press conference today with an update on UK’s fundraising efforts and gratitude for the first responders and those who have contributed thus far.

“I want to give a shout-out to the Kentucky National Guard for the incredible work they’re doing right now,” Pope said. “Airlifting 296 people out of apartments in Martin County is pretty incredible. I just think it’s important we remember what’s going on around this state right now as we continue to pursue basketball, the people are still working night and day to do this.”

Pope gave special thanks to Luther Deaton, the Chairman/President and CEO of Central Bank, who called and made a “huge” contribution to Governor Beshear’s Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund this morning. According to Pope, as of yesterday, that fund has raised over $200,000. The first round of money will pay for the funerals of the 14 people who died in the floods and the remaining will go to immediate emergency services for their families.

On Wednesday before the Vanderbilt game, Kentucky held a flood relief donation drive, asking fans to bring bottled water, non-perishable foods, paper goods, and cleaning supplies to Rupp Arena for victims. BBN responded, filling an 18-wheeler with supplies. Donations are still being accepted at the Gatton Student Center and Chandler Hospital on UK’s campus.

“I just want to keep encouraging,” Pope said. “I’m so grateful for everybody who came to the game the other night and made financial contributions to the Team Kentucky fund. As of yesterday morning, it was up to a little bit over $200,000. Grateful for everybody who has done work there, and hope that we can all kind of keep focused on this. This is not just going to be days, but it’s going to be weeks and months and years, and grateful for everybody who’s making huge contributions, especially this morning, Luther Deaton at Central Bank.”

Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund

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Trent Noah and Mark Pope’s pregame speech

While several areas of the state were impacted by the floods, Eastern Kentucky was hit hard once again, including many communities that had just rebuilt from the 2022 storms. Kentucky dedicated its win over Vanderbilt to the victims, which we got a behind-the-scenes look at in a video released today. In it, Trent Noah, who hails from Harlan, encourages his teammates to bring joy to those dealing with so much hardship.

“We can go out and play some inspired basketball and give something positive to all the people who are down right now,” Noah says. “They’re coping and if we go out and play inspiring basketball, they get some joy. They get to watch the game tonight, they get to watch us win and they get to watch the highlights. I think that’s something big that we could do tonight as a team.”

“Let’s make sure that we put our whole heart and soul on this court for them and for us tonight,” Mark Pope adds emphatically.

After some highlights of the 82-61 victory over the Commodores, the video ends with Amari Williams’ remarks during his SEC Network postgame interview.

“Today, this game meant a lot for us, especially for the people out in Eastern Kentucky, in the floods. Just coming out and playing for the state and those guys, that’s the reason why.”

That’s the good stuff. See it all below.

An honor and a privilege to play for Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/6vFprQzhnE

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) February 21, 2025