Lexington, KY – April 19, 2025 — Hall of Famer and Kentucky basketball legend Dan Issel is no stranger to bold takes, and this week he delivered a fresh dose of optimism and insight regarding the future of the Kentucky Wildcats. In a surprise appearance on a local Lexington sports radio show, Issel opened up about the team’s outlook for the 2025–26 season under newly appointed head coach Mark Pope.
“I like what I see,” Issel said. “There’s a toughness and hunger in this new group that reminds me of the old-school Kentucky days. Pope’s bringing that grit back to Rupp Arena.” Issel praised Pope’s emphasis on a modern, fast-paced offense built around perimeter shooting and high-tempo ball movement—something fans have been eager to see evolve in recent years.
The Wildcats are coming off a turbulent season marked by early tournament exits and fan frustration. But with Pope’s arrival and a top-10 recruiting class featuring three dynamic guards and a versatile forward, Issel believes the culture shift is real. “Pope is demanding accountability. These kids are buying in, and you can tell—they’re already putting in summer work like it’s March.”
Issel also singled out incoming freshman Jalen Price, a five-star recruit from Georgia, as a potential breakout star. “The kid’s a combo guard with instincts. He reminds me of a young Jamal Murray but with a little more edge on defense,” Issel said. “If he adapts to the college speed early, he could be All-SEC by February.”
One of Issel’s biggest takeaways was the impact of leadership returning to the locker room. “Too often in recent years, it felt like Kentucky was starting over every season. This year, you’ve got juniors and seniors sticking around. That matters. That’s how you build championship chemistry,” he explained.
When asked if Kentucky could return to Final Four contention this season, Issel didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. I’m not saying it’s a guarantee, but this is a top-8 team talent-wise. If Pope manages rotations well and the guys stay healthy, there’s no reason they can’t be playing deep into March.”
Issel’s words have already energized parts of Big Blue Nation, with fans flooding social media to echo his enthusiasm. “When Dan speaks, we listen,” one fan tweeted. “If he believes in this team, then I believe too.”
As Kentucky gears up for its summer exhibition tour in Spain, the spotlight will only intensify. But if Dan Issel’s instincts are right, Wildcat fans could be in for one of the most thrilling seasons in recent memory.
