“FaceTime Flex: Collin Chandler Surprises Coach Pope Mid-Workout Is He Kentucky’s Breakout Star in Waiting?
If you needed one moment to define the new energy surrounding Kentucky basketball, it came with a beep and a laugh during a live interview, no less.
There was Jon Rothstein, a respected voice in college hoops media, mid-conversation about Kentucky’s offseason when suddenly, Collin Chandler, drenched in sweat and fresh off a set at the gym, pulled out his phone and FaceTimed head coach Mark Pope. No script. No filter. Just vibes.
And Coach Pope? He answered immediately, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.
The exchange lasted just a few seconds, but the ripple effect was instant. Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from laughing emojis to bold predictions. Because while it was funny and spontaneous, it was also telling it showed who Collin Chandler is, and more importantly, who he might become.
A Glimpse Into the Grind
Chandler didn’t FaceTime Pope from his dorm room or during downtime. He did it from the gym. That alone says everything about his current mindset. After transferring from BYU and sitting out last season due to injury and recovery, Chandler isn’t just coming into Kentucky looking for a role he’s coming for a spotlight.
Sources close to the program have said Chandler has been relentless in the gym this offseason. Conditioning, shooting drills, defensive reps he’s attacking every aspect of his game like someone who knows time is short and opportunity is precious. That FaceTime call? It wasn’t just a flex. It was a symbol of accountability, of connection, and of the culture Pope is creating in Lexington — where players and coaches don’t just coexist, they collaborate.
The Skill Set: Built for a Breakout
Collin Chandler was a top-30 recruit in the Class of 2022 a 6’4” combo guard with bounce, shot-making ability, and defensive upside. He committed to BYU originally, planning to take a redshirt year. Injuries slowed his progress, but they never dampened his hunger.
Now, after transferring to Kentucky, Chandler enters this season with the rare combination of talent and humility. He’s got something to prove and the tools to prove it.
His ability to slash to the rim, shoot off the dribble, and guard multiple positions make him an ideal fit in Pope’s offense, which emphasizes movement, spacing, and unselfish play. More importantly, Chandler plays with a chip on his shoulder and that kind of edge translates.
Chemistry Matters And Chandler Has It
It’s one thing to be talented. It’s another to connect. And already, Chandler is showing signs that he’s a glue guy the kind of player teammates rally around and coaches trust in big moments.
FaceTiming your coach in the middle of an interview isn’t just funny it’s bold. It shows confidence. It shows relationship. Pope’s reaction wasn’t one of confusion or irritation it was of joy, even pride. That tells you everything about the culture being built in Lexington right now.
This isn’t a team that’s just trying to survive a rebuilding year. This is a team gelling before the first tipoff, bonding over workouts, trust, and a shared hunger.
Is the Breakout Coming?
If the question is whether Collin Chandler has what it takes to become Kentucky’s breakout star this season, the answer at least right now is a cautious but enthusiastic yes.
The tools are there. The motor is running. The trust of the coaching staff is already forming. And as BBN knows better than anyone when all those ingredients come together under the lights of Rupp Arena, anything can happen.
So don’t be surprised if, come January, it’s Chandler’s name ringing out from the rafters and lighting up Twitter timelines. He’s already putting in the work. He’s already FaceTiming the boss.
And when the season begins, he might just answer another call one that echoes through the SEC and reminds everyone why Collin Chandler came to Kentucky in the first place.
This isn’t just a comeback.
It’s a takeover in the making.
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