"He just makes great decisions": Kentucky HC Mark Pope only has positive words for Wake Forest transfer Andrew Carr
Wake Forest transfer Andrew Carr received positive reviews from first-year Kentucky Wildcats coach Mark Pope and the forward-center is proving in offseason practice sessions that he is as good as advertised.
Pope, who was the captain of the Kentucky squad that won the 1996 national championship, took note of Carr's high basketball IQ, mobility and physicality. He pointed out the 6-foot-10 big man can thrive under pressure-packed situations once the 2024-25 college basketball season starts (via YourSportsEdge.com):
“He just makes great decisions. Bigs are usually one-decision guys but he can stack three on top of each other. He’s super mobile but also has terrific physicality," Pope said.
The former BYU bench tactician, who was hired by the Wildcats to replace former NCAA champion coach John Calipari, sees Carr as a dependable player who can deliver when the game is on the line.
"If you asked me if I would be comfortable putting the ball into Andrew Carr’s hands down the stretch with the game on the line, I would say I would be 100% comfortable with that," he added.
Andrew Carr shows big-time potential in Kentucky practices
Kentucky coach Mark Pope appeared on KSR last Thursday and shared another Andrew Carr anecdote that could make fans feel that the lanky forward is the right player for the Wildcats.
Pope called into the station to update fans on how the team is building up for the 2024-25 season and how the West Chester, Pennsylvania native was unstoppable.
"Andrew Carr actually had a stretch this summer where he went five days of practice straight where he did not miss a single field goal. Not a single one. We’re like we’ve got to find more ways to get the ball in his hands,” Pope said.
(from 9:46 mark onwards)
Carr has proven in his four seasons with Wake Forest and Delaware that he can stretch the floor and pull the trigger from way downtown. College basketball experts also noted he is a great fit for Pope's fast-paced, shoot-them-all scheme and the coach has previously said the forward could play a Lauri Markkanen-type of role for the Wildcats this season.
Carr averaged 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game for the Demon Deacons last season. He shot 52.6% from the field, including 37.1% from the 3-point line.