July 25, 2024 – Early into his tenure as Kentucky’s head basketball coach, Mark Pope has demonstrated a penchant for doing things outside the box. Known for his youthful energy and innovative methods, Coach Pope’s unique approach is setting him apart from his peers in college basketball.
In a recent conversation with Brandon Garrison during a media window, the Kentucky center shared an interesting anecdote about his initial contact with Coach Pope. Instead of making a traditional phone call, Coach Pope opted for a FaceTime call. Garrison recalled his surprise, noting that he had never seen a coach use FaceTime for initial recruitment.
“Coach Pope doesn’t believe in phone calls,” Garrison said. “He reached out to me via FaceTime, and it really caught my attention. It was a unique way to start building a relationship.”
This unconventional approach clearly made an impact, as Garrison soon decided to join the Wildcats.
When Mark Pope took the helm at Kentucky, there were questions about his ability to recruit at a high level.
However, he has already assembled a competitive roster for the 2024-25 season and is actively building strong relationships with players in the 2025 and 2026 classes. This innovative recruitment style is paying off, attracting elite talent to Lexington.
Pope’s willingness to embrace new methods and connect with players on a personal level is winning over both recruits and the Big Blue Nation. His success in recruiting is a promising sign for Kentucky’s future under his leadership.
As Coach Pope continues to think outside the box, the Wildcats can look forward to some stellar recruiting classes and a bright future in college basketball.
