Ever since Mark Pope was hired to become the next head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats and replace John Calipari, the former Cat has brought so much pride and joy to the program since taking over.

This hasn’t changed going into the season. Kentucky finished its final exhibition game in a blowout win over defending D-II national champion Minnesota State, so there is a lot to cheer about.

Pope has been very happy and positive during his postgame interviews after both exhibition games, but he continues trying to bring out the best in people. Pope decided to join his players in their postgame press conferences, and that brought many smiles not only to the players but also to the media.

While Pope continues to make great impressions to fans here in Kentucky, but don’t be surprised if he joins in with more players in their interviews to joke around with them.

Also, at the end of the press conference, Pope showed off the news that he had just recently received. The shoes are custom “Book 1’s,” featuring the retro UK logo, ‘96 on the heel, and the ‘96 team record.

Pope has been a wonderful breath of fresh air that this school desperately needed.