Mark Pope and Kentucky will face St. John’s in the CBS Sports Classic on Dec. 20 in Atlanta, a game originally set to be played against UCLA before the Bruins withdrew due to scheduling concerns.
St. John’s, of course, is led by Rick Pitino, who was Kentucky‘s coach from 1989-1997. One of his players from the 1995-96 championship team? Mark Pope.
“Man, I’ve been working hard on this game. I’m so grateful to CBS. I’m grateful to UCLA. I don’t know what happened with UCLA, but somehow they’re not in this, and St. John’s is. It’s awesome. I’m so hyped,” Pope said.
He also issued a heads-up to his former head coach.
“I’ll be honest with you. I’m putting this out there so Coach P can hear it. I am bringing the suit game. I’ve already started planning,” he said. “Coach, just be ready. Bring it.”
Pope noted that he wouldn’t don a all-white suit like Pitino did during his time at Louisville, but vowed that he’d have something special in the works for the game.
“I’m bringing the thunder,” Pope warned. “So I don’t know what coach has prepared, but he better get with his tailor. Cause it’s on right now.”
We’ll have to wait and see what Pope has up his sleeve in December.
Kentucky HC Mark Pope on adding Purdue as an exhibition opponent in Rupp Arena and getting a matchup with his old coach, Rick Pitino of St. John’s, in the CBS Sports Classic. Also a special “challenge” issued for Pitino… pic.twitter.com/LDugcEJ4ei
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) May 13, 2025Mark Pope discusses facing Rick Pitino, St. John’s in CBS Sports Classic: ‘I am bringing the suit game’ Saturday Down South.
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