Mark Pope's parents were in attendance at Rupp Arena for the first time in 30 years

Don and Linda Pope have been to plenty of Kentucky basketball games, but not in three decades. They were frequent guests of their son, Mark, during his playing days as a Wildcat — No. 41 and captain of the 1996 national title team, in case you forgot.

As Pope began his NBA journey and started a family before transitioning into life as a basketball coach, however, his parents no longer had a reason to make the long trip to Lexington for games. They could simply support the program from afar. Now, though, No. 41 is back on the bench leading the program as head coach. Excitement is at an all-time high with the team off to a 4-0 start, rolling through the non-conference while jumping into the top 10 of the latest rankings.

Rupp Arena is clearly the place to be and Don and Linda Pope wanted to experience it again for themselves. That’s why the first-year coach’s parents were in attendance for Kentucky’s 97-68 win over Lipscomb on Tuesday, enjoying their son’s must-see basketball product in person for the very first time back at UK. It was their first Rupp visit in nearly 30 years, Pope said after the game.

“Can we give a round of applause to my Mom and Dad?” Pope asked the crowd during postgame radio duties with Tom Leach. “It’s been 30 years since Mom and Dad have been to Rupp Arena. It’s good to have them back, really good to have them back. It’s special for me that they’re here.”

The Kentucky head coach typically stays after and signs autographs for fans as long as security will let him — he’d do it all night if he was allowed. This time, though, Pope cut it short so he could enjoy every second he had with his family in town before they had to fly out early Wednesday morning.

“Mom and Dad are just always so supportive, man. They just are,” Pope said. “They’re just in it with us, it’s pretty awesome. They’re fantastic.”

Quite the full-circle moment for No. 41 — and well-deserved.