WATCH: Mark Pope, Wildcats discuss why Kentucky is unmatched

The Wildcats are getting their feet wet in Lexington, both coaches and players. Mark Pope got things rolling in April, followed by the rest of the staff in May, then the roster in June — all 12 Cats on campus with the first week of practice officially in the books.

What has that process been like for the team and how are things going into the dog days of the summer? KSR caught up with Pope himself, along with a handful of other players at the Club Blue NEW ERA event in Lexington last weekend. Hanging out with Big Blue Nation for the first time, the Wildcats talked about their appreciation for the opportunity in front of them while their head coach made it clear their championship aspirations remain strong.

Mark Pope explains why Kentucky is unique in college basketball

No, Pope never gets tired of introducing himself as Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. It still excites him every time the words come out of his mouth, especially with recruits.

“I have more joy every time I talk to recruits talking about the University of Kentucky — I just like saying the words. I like saying the words, it gives me a thrill every single time I say it. I’m never going to get over that. That’s never going to become normal for me, it’s not,” Pope said at the NIL event. “We will continue to keep our focus squarely on our incredible gratitude of this opportunity to be affiliated with this university.

“It’s just like every member of BBN, just like every student-athlete, every member of our team: nobody gets to do this, but we do. We’re the blessed ones who get to do this. That’s never going to fade.”

He also discussed what his team’s goals are this summer, the importance of Club Blue and NIL and Kentucky’s relationship with the NBA moving forward.

Take a look at the full interview:

Robinson, Butler, Brea and Perry talk early days as a Wildcat

Elsewhere, KSR spoke with Lamont Butler, Travis Perry, Koby Brea and Jaxson Robinson. A common theme with each? The gravity of Big Blue Nation and adjusting to the most passionate fanbase in college basketball, those four seeing it up close for the first time at the NEW ERA event.

More specifically, Butler talked about his role as a leader as the team’s likely starting point guard while Brea discussed his decision to transfer to Kentucky as the best shooter in the portal. Perry discussed his transition from the high school ranks to college as the state’s all-time leading scorer while Robinson made it clear there was no other option for him among colleges.

If he was pulling his name out of the draft, Lexington was always going to be his next home.

Take a look at the complete set of interviews:

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.