Lack of an NCAA Tournament win. That was one concern Mark Pope and the Big Blue Nation dealt with as the new coach took the reins. Add Kentucky running on its least successful decade to the mix, and the situation hardly screamed of hope. But months in, while a trip to San Antonio seems like a far possibility, we are still here, lingering in the top 4 seeds, knowing Pope stands capable of adding that post season win to his resume. The only thing stopping them from considering a deeper run? Analysts have an opinion.

On The Field of 68: After Dark, show hosts John Martin, Randolph Childress, and John Henson talk about the Wildcats and their lackluster performances thus far. When discussing whether Kentucky can be a Final Four team with all of their injury players returning, Henson spoke against the notion.

“I don’t think they defend at a high enough level to really make a run,” the analyst said, bringing the Wildcats down to Earth. Pope’s team’s defensive woes are common knowledge. However, the concern lies in the fluctuation in the trajectory. While the squad saw a glimmer of hope when they moved up from 112th in defense to 69th just before the game against Alabama, they were back to square one hours later.

The Crimson Tide shot an impressive 52.5% from the field and forced 15 turnovers to Kentucky’s 13. The points converted were an even disappointing picture– 11 to 24. Moreover, Mark Sears was the force the Wildcats failed to contain as he dropped 30 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field. Missing their defensive anchor in Lamont Butler did not help the case either. But Pope acknowledges this shortcoming, asserting it is still a work in progress– one they are determined to get right.

“We’re getting down into the stretch run and us getting better on this end of the ball is something that we’re obsessing about and we’re determined to do,” the HC said after the loss. Yet, Kentucky is sticking around at 61st on KenPom’s defensive ranking, meaning the showing against Alabama wasn’t their best, but it was definitely one they have improved upon. Will it be enough, though? For their offense they take pride in, isn’t helping them every game.

“Obviously, the offensive aspect of their team is amazing right? The style of play. But they’re just too inconsistent,” the analyst further noted.

Currently, Kentucky ranks fifth in offensive rating in the league according to KenPom, and averages 85.7 points per game. That sure did not work against another offensive powerhouse, and neither has it in their 8 quad 1 losses. The Wildcats have been largely inconsistent, failing to secure a win streak longer than 3 since mid-December.

So if the team is able to keep up their offensive consistency and evolve defensively, they’d be a real threat in March. However, it has been a relatively happening year for Mark Pope in his new job. A lot of things have happened, and for the better for both Pope and the Wildcats.

Mark Pope’s first year at Kentucky, a success or a failure?

When coach Cal and Kentucky decided to part ways, the environment of the team wasn’t great. Almost everyone in the Big Blue Nation was upset with the legendary coach for the last few years of his tenure at Kentucky. His early exits in March, especially to Oakland, were the driving force behind his departure. In his place came Mark Pope, former Wildcat himself.

His reception was quite friendly, with Kentucky fans just glad to see a fresh face. Although the season hasn’t been utter domination, it’s still been quite alright for the head coach. “I think he’s somewhat outperforming what we’d thought he would be. And he still has Kentucky in the mix nationally as an elite program.”

Furthermore, the attitude that Mark Pope has brought to the Kentucky Wildcats has been commendable. “I love what he’s doing, I love the energy around the program. I love their style of play. It’s enjoying to watch,” John Henson said while talking about the new look of Wildcats.

Although an injury-ridden roster means that the new coach might not be a serious contender this year, do NOT take Mark Pope lightly! The Kentucky head coach has a lot of cards up his sleeve, and has an immense desire to win. Be it dealing with faulty officiating, or facing a better offense than his team, he will find a way to get through all the challenges in front of him.