Coach Pope Puts People First: Sends Assistant Mark Fox to EYBL

Coach Pope Puts People First: Sends Assistant Mark Fox to EYBL So He Can Help Tornado Cleanup in London

In a powerful gesture that shows his heart is as big as his coaching ambition, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope made a decision today that speaks volumes  not just about leadership, but about love for the people of Kentucky.

Instead of making the trip to the Nike EYBL event himself, Pope sent assistant coach Mark Fox in his place. Why? So that he could stay behind and help with tornado cleanup efforts in London, Kentucky, where devastating storms recently ripped through the community.

This wasn’t about basketball. This wasn’t about recruiting. This was about being there when it matters most.

Pope’s decision quickly spread across social media, with fans and followers expressing their pride and gratitude. One message echoed the sentiment of Big Blue Nation: “THAT’S MY MF COACH.”

This is who Mark Pope is.

Since the day he took the Kentucky job, Pope has made it clear that building a great basketball program starts with building great relationships  not just with players and recruits, but with the people of the state he now calls home. Today, that promise wasn’t just spoken. It was lived.

While Mark Fox was busy evaluating future Wildcats on the EYBL circuit, Pope was out in the community doing something arguably just as important  showing up for Kentuckians in their time of need.

It’s not just about wins and banners. It’s about heart.

This is the kind of leadership that inspires not just players, but an entire fanbase. And in moments like this, it’s clear: Coach Pope isn’t just coaching a team. He’s leading a family.

And the Big Blue Family always shows up for each other.