When fans hear “off week” in college basketball, they picture coaches taking a break, recharging, and maybe even stepping away from the game for a moment. But in the case of Mark Pope, the term “off week” might be one of the most misleading phrases in sports.
The new Kentucky head coach has wasted no time putting his stamp on the program, and even during this supposed downtime, Pope is working behind the scenes to give the Wildcats every possible advantage.
For Pope, an off week is just an opportunity to double down on recruiting. He’s been spotted making calls, visiting with prospects, and studying film on future Wildcats. His relentless approach is already winning over both high school talent and transfer portal targets.
Instead of unplugging completely, Pope uses this period to connect with his players. Team dinners, one-on-one meetings, and light on-court sessions help strengthen relationships that will matter when the pressure ramps up later in the season.
An off week also gives Pope more time to break down opponents’ tendencies. By diving deep into game film and analytics, he’s making sure Kentucky will be prepared for any matchup they face once conference play begins.
The bottom line? The phrase “Mark Pope off week” might exist on the calendar, but in reality, it’s just another chance for Kentucky’s leader to get ahead. If this is what Pope does with extra time, Wildcat fans should feel confident that the program’s best days might be right around the corner.
Film study is another major part of Pope’s “downtime.” With extra hours to break down tape, he can spot trends in opponents’ playbooks, identify mismatches, and fine-tune Kentucky’s schemes. Pope is known for being detail-oriented, and this period gives him the breathing room to drill deep into strategy without the daily rush of games.
