In his debut SEC Tournament as Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope is leaving no stone unturned. With the Wildcats awaiting their first opponent—either No. 11 Georgia or No. 14 Oklahoma—the team has been hard at work preparing for every possible scenario. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET on Thursday, and Pope is making sure his team is ready for anything.
“We’re doing three scouts,” Pope revealed during his call-in show earlier this week. “A detailed self-scout, one for Oklahoma, and one for Georgia. It’s three times the workload, but we’ve got extra days to prepare, and it’s fun.”
The Wildcats are familiar with both potential opponents. Kentucky lost to Georgia earlier this season in Athens but managed a win against Oklahoma in Norman. With the stakes high, Pope’s strategy ensures his team is fully equipped to handle whoever comes their way.
Multi-Layered Game Plans
Beyond scouting for their opening game, Pope and his staff are already working ahead. “We have three teams,” Pope explained. “Team A and Team B are focused on Georgia and Oklahoma, while another group is preparing for Alabama and other possible opponents. We even have a team looking further down the road at potential semifinal matchups.”
This approach allows Kentucky to pivot seamlessly as the tournament unfolds. Pope joked about his staff’s extensive preparation: “You’d have to ask those two guys—they’re responsible for anything beyond two days away.”
Adjusting To Tournament Life
Kentucky arrived in Nashville on Tuesday and hit the ground running. Between practices and scouting, Pope emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility. “We’ve prepared for all kinds of tip times this season, from early morning games to late-night starts. The 8:30 PM CT tip is a little past my bedtime,” he quipped. “But we’ll manage.”
The Calm Before The Storm
As fans flood into Nashville, the Wildcats are embracing the energy of the SEC Tournament while staying locked in on their goals. For Pope and his squad, this week is about more than just games—it’s about setting the tone for a deep postseason run.
Whether it’s Georgia or Oklahoma stepping onto the court Thursday night, Kentucky will be ready. With meticulous preparation and a clear blueprint for success, Pope is determined to make his first SEC Tournament one to remember.
