Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Transactions

Mark Pope jokes about fan attendance with Kentucky recruits

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 9:49 AM

Last updated Aug 9, 2026

Mark Pope jokes about fan attendance with Kentucky recruits

Summary

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope engaged new recruits Zoom Diallo and Franck Kepnang during practice, humorously comparing fan attendance in Lexington to their previous programs. Pope's comments were made as the team prepares for the upcoming season, having finished last year with a 24-12 record, losing in the Sweet Sixteen. He expressed optimism about their preparation and the potential to improve the team further. Additional discussions included the recent ruling on senior eligibility for a fifth year.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Pope teased recruits about fan attendance compared to previous schools.
•Kentucky finished last season with a 24-12 record.
•The Wildcats lost to Tennessee in the Sweet Sixteen.
•Pope is preparing the team for the upcoming season.
•New eligibility rulings for seniors were discussed.

Latest Updates

9:49 AMYahoo Sports — “More Fans Here”: Mark Pope Admits Teasing 2 Kentucky Stars About Not Having Enough Fans at their Previous Colleges

What they're saying

"
The Kentucky Wildcats are preparing for the upcoming season, and as practice begins to heat up, head coach Mark Pope is pulling out all the stops in an attempt to rally his troops. Pope said he told new recruits Zoom Diallo and Franck Kepnang that they might have seen more fans during open practice in Lexington than at their previous programs.
— Yahoo Sports

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