Kentucky head coach Mark Pope was asked on Thursday, during his weekly press conference, if he had a particular memory of Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, where his Cats will face Vanderbilt on Saturday. Pope said that one moment definitely stood out above the rest.

“I ran in and dunked it,” Pope said of his memorable moment. “If I remember correctly, I barely got it over the rim and got fouled. And then Coach P (Rick Pitino) was standing right there, and so I got to go chest bump him. And I don’t think Coach was super happy about that, but I’ve always loved the configuration of the gym since that moment. I think it’s a great venue.”

Memorial Gymnasium is known for its unique setup. From a playing floor that is elevated to the team benches being in the end zones, it’s not the normal configuration that teams are accustomed to seeing.

In addition to a non-traditional setup, playing at Vanderbilt this year is tough because the Commodores have a much-improved team. The Commodores are 15-4 overall and 3-3 in the Southeastern Conference. On the most recent Saturday in Memorial Gym, the ‘Dores upset No. 6 Tennessee. Pope admires what the Vandy staff has been able to do in a short amount of time.

“What an unbelievable job that staff has done on constructing that team,” Pope said. “They’re playing incredibly hard and they have had some real job and toughness in their games. They start with five guys on the floor who can really shoot it. They force you to guard a lot of space. They’re really physical on the glass. They play with great pace.”

Pope’s Cats are embracing going on the road and into hostile environments in the SEC. It’s something that the team had to learn but has now accepted.

“I think the guys know it better now,” Pope said. “I think our guys, right now, can’t wait to get back out on the road and go experience another insane environment and go find a way to win.”

The Cats have been a little banged up, and Pope was thankful for the week his team had to heal some of its ailments.

“It’s better than it was a few days ago,” Pope said. “Everybody’s going to play hurt and play with injured guys. We’re doing better. I’m really grateful for this week.”

The Cats will face one of college basketball’s most unique settings on Saturday and will take on a surging Vanderbilt team. It’s a role that Pope’s Cats welcome and embrace.