“We Kentucky till we die”: Mark Pope gets Wildcats fans hyped up after bagging Kentucky-native Jasper Johnson
Mark Pope made the most of the latest opportunity to hype up Kentucky Wildcats fans ahead of his first season as head coach. Earlier today, he appeared on the “SEC Nation” show hosted by ESPN senior writer Ryan McGee, in front of an excited crowd of Wildcats fans.
His attire caught the attention of many in the crowd as he sported a shirt with “KY till I die” printed on the front. He later pumped up the crowd by talking about the program’s recruitment, admitting the team is bringing in players who value the Wildcats’ ambitions.
“We had a fun week,” said Pope. “It’s the Kentucky way and we’re really fortunate. Right now, we’re recruiting guys that understand Kentucky and want to wear this jersey and know what ‘KY till I die’ means and it’s pretty cool man, I love it!
“It’s really special. I mean, there is nowhere in the world like Kentucky basketball. It’s different, it’s different! Everybody that’s been able to cheer for this team, everybody that’s been able to play for this team, coach with this team, associated with this team, it’s just different.
“That’s why, WE KENTUCKY TILL WE DIE!”
The Wildcats hired Pope after John Calipari decided to jump ship to the Arkansas Razorbacks after leading the eight-time NCAA Tournament winners for 15 seasons. During Pope’s six-season tenure with BYU, the Cougars made the tournament twice.
Mark Pope and his staff add Kentucky native Jasper Johnson to the roster
Pope’s appearance on SEC Nation comes just two days after the Wildcats landed Johnson, a five-star shooting guard hailing from Lexington. Johnson, who attended Overtime Elite High in Atlanta, Georgia, is the third-best prospect in the state of Atlanta and the 12th best prospect in the country, per 247Sports.
The Wildcats faced stiff competition from the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Alabama Crimson Tide to land Johnson. However, Johnson made more unofficial visits to the Wildcats than any other team, which was a clear signal of his intent.
Johnson becomes the latest name in a star-studded list of recruits by Pope, which includes San Diego State guard Lamont Butler and star shooter Jaxson Robinson, who played for Pope at BYU.
Pope, who led the Wildcats during the 1996 NCAA Tournament-winning season, has loaded the roster and has most elements in place. Whether he can bring instant success to Lexington, only time will tell.
