Mark Pope Accidentally Teases Collin Chandler’s Breakout Potential With Deleted Practice Highlights

Mark Pope Accidentally Teases Collin Chandler’s Breakout Potential With Deleted Practice Highlights

Kentucky fans don’t often get behind-the-scenes practice footage, but when Mark Pope shares a glimpse, Big Blue Nation takes notice.

On Sunday, the Wildcats’ new head coach sent social media buzzing when he posted  then quickly deleted  a trio of highlight clips showcasing sophomore guard Collin Chandler. The post featured the caption: “Saturday Practice with CC: The game asks us to play off 2 until it asks us to play off 1.”

The clips themselves told the story. In the first two sequences, Chandler did exactly what Pope highlighted: he came to a stop on two feet inside the arc, read the defense patiently, and made the smart play. Both decisions led to assists, demonstrating a poise and maturity that Kentucky coaches have been trying to instill in him since last season.

But it was the third clip that really lit up the fanbase  Chandler attacking the lane and throwing down a vicious poster dunk over 7-footer Andrija Jelavić. The play was pure electricity, the kind of moment that sends practice gyms into chaos and fans into frenzy once the video leaks online.

Why Pope’s Highlight Choice Matters

This wasn’t just a random selection from practice. Back in June, Chandler himself spoke about wanting to improve at “playing off two feet,” admitting it was a weakness during his freshman year. He described how uncomfortable it felt at times to pick up the ball, pivot, and reset when no option was available.

Now, just a few months later, Pope is pointing directly to that skill as a point of growth  and Chandler is proving it on the court. The very situation he described to reporters played out in the highlight reel: Chandler stopped in the paint, calmly swung the ball to Jaland Lowe in the corner, and Lowe drilled a wide-open three. What once felt like a panic moment has now become a winning play.

A Deleted Tweet That Won’t Be Forgotten

Though the video disappeared shortly after being posted, fans had already clipped and shared it, ensuring it lives on in the Wildcat internet archives. If anything, the tweet’s sudden deletion only added to the intrigue, leaving Kentucky fans buzzing about Chandler’s development and his role heading into the 2025–26 season.

What It Means Moving Forward

Chandler, a 6-foot-5 guard who saw limited minutes as a freshman, is quickly emerging as one of the Wildcats’ most intriguing sophomores. His ability to blend scoring, playmaking, and patience could make him a vital piece of Pope’s first Kentucky roster. And if he keeps attacking the rim like he did on Jelavić? He might just become a fan favorite in Lexington.

Mark Pope doesn’t tweet often, but when he does, the entire Big Blue Nation listens. If Sunday’s highlights are any indication, Collin Chandler is ready to make the leap from role player to difference-maker.