Mark Pope is building a strong staff.
Kentucky Basketball head coach Mark Pope is working quickly to finalize his coaching staff.
So far, he has reportedly landed Cody Fueger, Jason Hart, and Mark Fox.
Fueger was with Pope at BYU since 2019, while Hart was an assistant at USC from 2013-2021 and most recently coached the NBA G League Ignite from 2021-24.
Fox — former Georgia Bulldogs head coach from 2009-18 — comes to Kentucky with his most recent stop at California from 2019-23. He and Pope date back to the early 90s when Pope was recognized as Pac-12 Freshman of the Year at Washington. The two re-linked for one season (2009-10) at Georgia when Pope was an assistant for Fox.
RE: Mark Pope’s UK staff …
Expect his longtime assistant, Cody Fueger, to be official tomorrow.
Look for formerNevada/UGA/Cal HC Mark Fox to fill Bruiser-type, non-recruiting role.
And former Cuse/NBA guard Jason Hart, USC assistant/G League Ignite HC, as regular assistant.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 19, 2024
Per the Athletic’s Kyle Tucker, Fueger’s hire could be official as early as today. He also points out that Hart will serve as a regular assistant (with a likely specialty in recruiting, considering his recent success with the Ignite), and Fox will serve as an assistant in a non-recruiting role.
I’d say hiring a former NBA point guard who has been coaching G League Ignite’s talent-heavy roster would be useful in recruiting.
Assuming the Hart deal gets done, that adds someone with the kind of connections you need to land high-end talent. https://t.co/fbPrz8SCaG
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 19, 2024
Tucker mentioned that Hart could be one of the keys to landing high-end talent. With the Wildcats needing to quickly reload their roster, this could be a timely hire by Pope.
These next few hires will be incredibly important for Pope and the Kentucky Basketball program. As intense as college basketball has become with recruiting, the transfer portal, and NIL, every program needs quality assistants to shoulder a good portion of the load.
Tweet of the Day
Thank you pic.twitter.com/k6Np3GyYr2
— reed sheppard (@reed_sheppard) April 18, 2024
Best of luck to Reed Sheppard as he realizes his NBA dreams!
Headlines
No. 3 Kentucky Tangles with No. 2 Tennessee in Marquee Series – UK Athletics
The top two teams in the SEC East will play three games at Kentucky Proud Park
Kenny Brooks Has Hired Josh Petersen as an Assistant Coach – UK Athletics
Petersen helped guide Miami to the 2023 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
Reed Sheppard Really Had To Pursue NBA Dream – Vaught’s Views
He’ll excel in the NBA.
Kerr says there’s ‘A lot of value’ in keeping Warriors’ Big 3 together – ESPN
But is there?
Kentucky makes final three for Drexel transfer F Amari Williams – Cats Pause
New UK head coach Mark Pope has visited with Williams.
Reed Sheppard’s best moments at Kentucky – KSR
Wish there could have been a second season.
2024 seven-round NFL Mock Draft – CBS Sports
Four Wildcats mentioned.
Deion Sanders downplays transfer exodus from Colorado – ESPN
Colorado coach Deion Sanders is downplaying the departure of 14 players from the football team.
Is a grand slam in play for Scottie Scheffler – CBS Sports
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Utah, Florida deny Oklahoma’s bid for NCAA gymnastics 3-peat – ESPN
Utah, Florida, Cal and LSU advanced to Saturday’s NCAA Gymnastics championship.
Jimmy Butler out for Play-In game vs. Bulls – CBS Sports
Trouble for Miami.