As Kentucky heads into a pivotal matchup with Mississippi State on Saturday, Mark Pope’s transformation as a coach is a major talking point, particularly from his former rival, Chris Jans. While the two have faced off before in the WAC, leading Utah Valley and New Mexico State, respectively, Jans sees a noticeable evolution in Pope’s style now that he’s at the helm of Kentucky.
Pope has long been known for his ability to develop high-powered offenses, a reputation he built during his years at Utah Valley, where his teams consistently ranked among the top 100 in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. However, it’s at Kentucky, with access to a roster brimming with talent, that Pope has taken his offensive system to an entirely new level.
Jans, who coached against Pope’s Utah Valley squads in the WAC, acknowledged the evolution of Pope’s offensive schemes. “He was always known as an excellent X and O guy, especially on the offensive end,” Jans said during a recent podcast appearance. “But he’s taken it to a new level at Kentucky.”
Kentucky’s current offensive output speaks for itself. The Wildcats boast the nation’s ninth-best offense, with an adjusted offensive efficiency rating of 122.6—Pope’s highest mark as a head coach. The team is also ranked among the top 35 in effective field goal percentage (55.6%) and adjusted tempo, showing off a fast-paced, high-efficiency attack. One of the standout statistics is Kentucky’s remarkable ability to protect the ball, ranking first in the country with a turnover percentage of just 12.9%.
Jans noted the obvious difference in talent between Pope’s previous stops and his current position at Kentucky. “No disrespect to where we were, but the first thing that jumps off the page is just more talented players on the court for both of us,” Jans said. With the upgraded talent pool, Pope has been able to expand his offensive playbook, employing more sophisticated schemes than in his previous roles at Utah Valley and BYU.
The basic principles of Pope’s system remain intact—playing at a fast pace and working through big men—but Jans pointed out the refinement in the execution. “How they do it and the schemes that they’re employing are much more sophisticated now,” Jans said. “You can see remnants of that style of play, but how they’re doing it is much, much different.”
Despite the noticeable improvements in Pope’s approach, Jans isn’t surprised by Kentucky’s early success under Pope’s leadership. “I anticipated that he would,” Jans added, expressing his belief that Pope’s familiarity with the Kentucky program and its recruiting potential would lead to success.
As Kentucky and Mississippi State prepare to clash in Starkville, the two coaches, who share a deep mutual respect, will go head-to-head once again. While the rivalry will be fierce on the court, Jans made it clear that their friendship and admiration for each other remain unchanged.
With Pope’s offensive evolution on full display, the Wildcats are setting the stage for a promising season. And as Jans predicted, Kentucky is exactly where he expected them to be: competing at a high level with an elite roster and sophisticated schemes.
