Rick Pitino predicts Mark Pope will win a title, offers to cut NIL check

Rick Pitino endorsed Mark Pope for the Kentucky job yesterday. Today, he’s doubling down, going as far as to predict his former player will lead the Cats to a national championship and offering the NIL money he needs to get there.

Pitino just released a video on social media praising Pope, who captained Kentucky’s 1996 national championship squad. In it, the former Kentucky coach outlined why Pope will succeed in Lexington, comparing him to Jay Wright, Billy Donovan, and Danny Hurley, who also didn’t have a lot of postseason results early in their careers but are now considered some of the greatest coaches in the sport.

“A lot of people out there talk about Jay Wright, Danny Hurley, Billy Donovan. They all had their trials and tribulations as well early on. But Mark Pope went into the Big 12 this year, beat Kansas at Kansas, beat Baylor at home, and in his first year, got to the NCAA [Tournament]. Mark Pope, offensively, no one does it better. The way his teams move, the way his teams shoot to three, the ball movement, the player movement, is outstanding.

“What you don’t realize is, it took Jay Wright 11 years to finally get an NCAA win. Billy Donovan was at Marshall for two years, didn’t have an NCAA appearance. He went on to greatness. Mark Pope will go on to greatness. You can put it down.“

Most important, Pitino said, is Pope’s love for the program. Pitino recalled how another of his former players, John Pelphrey, used to tear up when he put on his Kentucky jersey. Pope has the same reverence and love for the program.

“He’s not only a Rhodes Scholar candidate, but I remember as if it was yesterday, John Pelphrey getting misty-eyed in my first year as a basketball coach in Kentucky. Every time he put on the uniform, he was near tears and I said to him, ‘John, what is with you? Every time you put that uniform on?’ He said, ‘Coach, you just don’t understand what this means to all of us from Kentucky.’

“Well, I can guarantee you one thing. Nobody, nobody epitomizes the name Kentucky on the front of the jersey more than Mark Pope.”

“If they need the NIL money, I’ll write the check.”

What about recruiting? Pope was limited by BYU’s strict honor code (no alcohol or tobacco and other behavior bans). Now that he’s at Kentucky with a big NIL budget, Pitino believes Pope will flourish. Just this morning, two donors have pledged $4 million in NIL funds.

“What some of you don’t realize is how good a basketball mind he has. How much of a relentless recruiter he will be. Now recruiting is different today. We’re now coaching all pros. The NIL has taken away amateur basketball and has made them professional athletes. I’m sure Kentucky is going to have a strong NIL.”

In an interview with ESPN Lexington, Pitino even offered to cut Pope a check if he needs NIL help, which has to be the first time a coach has offered to do that for another coach.

“I can assure you, if they need the NIL money, I’ll write the check.”

If you were on the fence about Pope, Pitino’s words will pull you in. After this video and Mitch Barnhart’s interview on KSR, the Pope hype train is rolling.

“You have one of the premier young coaches in the game,” Pitino said. “Relish it because he will do you proud. I know I sit here today at St. John’s and I couldn’t be any more proud than to see Mark Pope lead to Kentucky Wildcats to another championship.

“He’ll get it done. He’s got the right stock. He’s got a beautiful family and he loves, absolutely loves, Kentucky across his chest. Get it done. Mark I love you you’re gonna do a fabulous job.”

Awesome stuff. Just go ahead and prepare yourself for Kentucky vs. St. John’s in Rupp Arena because it’s happening.

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— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) April 12, 2024