There was a wild change this offseason for the Kentucky basketball program as John Calipari left to go be the next head basketball coach at Arkansas. Mitch Barnhart went on to hire Mark Pope, and so far, it seems like a win-win for both parties.

Coach Calipari has brought most of his recruiting class and a good portion of his team from last season with him to Arkansas. Coach Pope has used the transfer portal really well and is doing a good job of pulling veteran talent from all different levels of college basketball.

Yesterday, Coach Calipari took to X/Twitter to share his thoughts on his relationship with the Crafts and his opinions on Coach Pope.

Here is what Coach Calipari had to say, “Was in Lex letting friends know of our appreciation. Talked with Joe and Kelly Craft about our friendship and relationship. They were a part of our journey. We are still friends. Let me assure you all, that the fans nor the Crafts were part of our decision. ANOTHER VOICE WAS NEEDED! I like and respect Coach Pope. He and his staff will have success. My memories are of 15 great years. Thanks to all!!! Coach Cal”

Most of Big Blue Nation isn’t all too upset with Coach Calipari, and fans seem to be very happy with the job Coach Pope has done so far in his short time in Lexington.

When Coach Pope and Coach Calipari meet on the hardwood this season, it will be one of the most anticipated games of the college basketball season.

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Mark Pope discusses Kentucky roster, its ceiling, and potentially facing Rick Pitino

Mark Pope has been a busy man for the Kentucky Wildcats, and that’s included a series of interviews this week with national reporters.

First off, Pope joined the Field of 68 Podcast, where he raved about the roster Kentucky has assembled thus far.

Pope declared, “Andrew Carr was born to play for us.” “Koby Brea is the most effective; do your research.” He is the most productive high-mid, high-major player offensively during the past ten years. He scored 1.33 points per possession (PPP) the previous season. At 1.31 is the next closest guy. I’ve never seen his performance figures from the previous year.

You consider Collin Chandler, Kerr Kriisa, and this entire group. This guy, Brandon Garrison, is really being noticed. The way the components suit us and fit together is amazing, in my opinion. We are ecstatic beyond measure.

Later, Pope discussed many of the same topics and unveiled Kentucky’s scheduling method in an interview with Andy Katz of NCAA.com, which might

Pope added, “We have to figure out a way to get Coach (Pitino) and his fantastic St. John’s teams into Rupp Arena. The love that BBN has for Rick Pitino is almost unbelievable.”

Pope responded succinctly when asked what his current team’s ceiling is: “The goal is to win everything.”

“I am aware that there is only one proper response to that at Kentucky. “We only have one task, which is to obtain number nine,” stated Pope. “The number nine is present everywhere I look. All I can see is that, therefore we’re a little fixated on it and will do everything in our power to pursue it.

Check out Pope’s full interviews below!