The King and Queen of Kentucky Basketball have spoken and it’s time to listen. Mark and Lee Anne Pope made their way to Louisville on Monday for the annual 2024 Wildcat Tipoff Luncheon at Churchill Downs, previewing the season ahead of hundreds of diehard fans with the Greater Louisville UK Alumni Club.

Voice of the Wildcats Tom Leach served as the emcee, tossing questions at the power couple about their transition to Lexington and life in blue and white. The Kentucky head coach discussed his offensive philosophy, one he says he loves because it’s beautiful to watch and “really twists up opposing teams.” Elsewhere, they talked about the UK vs. UofL rivalry and its importance — you’ll get a kick out of what they nicknamed the mole digging up their backyard — while also breaking the news that the Women’s Clinic is returning on Friday, Nov. 1.

The highlight of the conversation, though? Lee Anne telling the story of Mark picking her up for their first date with an infant in the backseat before taking her to a gas station to pick out anything she wants.

“He said, ‘Go crazy, baby!’ … But it worked! 25 years this August!”

It was 23 minutes of fun to get you prepared for a new era of Kentucky basketball starting this week with the first exhibition matchup scheduled for Wednesday. Take a look:

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