UK Fans of the Day Want National Media Reactions to Kentucky's win vs. Duke
When John Calipari fled to Arkansas on the eve of last season's national title game, Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart responded by taking two big swings. He made Dan Hurley tell him no, and the UConn coach quickly elected to chase a threepeat in Storrs. Then he offered the job to Scott Drew and flew his family to Lexington, only to have the Baylor coach decide to pass on the opportunity.
The not-so-splashy "Plan C" that Barnhart pivoted to has so far proven to be an inspired third choice. Pope is one of Kentucky's own, a team captain on Rick Pitino's powerhouse 1996 national championship team and the first ex-Wildcat to coach his alma mater since 1985. He's also the anti-Calipari in many ways, an innovator who runs a modern, 3-point-heavy offense.
The veteran-heavy roster that Pope assembled on the fly bears little resemblance to Calipari's freshman-laden teams. The Wildcats feature nine transfers, including six fifth-year seniors. Their players have made 586 combined starts even if they had little time playing together.
Experience mattered Tuesday night when Duke extended its lead to 56-47 with 13 minutes remaining in the second half. Instead of wilting, Kentucky ratcheted up its defensive intensity, allowing the Blue Devils only five made field goals the rest of the way.
