"He’s got two of everything": Mark Pope's rival Pat Kelsey compares Kentucky HC's to "Noah's Ark"
Before they face off on the court, Mark Pope and rival coach Pat Kelsey met at this week's Leadership Louisville Luncheon. Despite the illustrious history between their respective programs, the two first-year coaches showed mutual respect for each other's leadership.
The respect was evident when Pope praised his Wildcats roster. Although, he appreciated his players' performances during the eight-week training camp, his excitement came from the chemistry, bond and camaraderie they developed off the court.
Through his offseason scouting, Pat Kelsey argued that Pope was underselling his team, citing his player personnel to be one of a kind.
“Obviously, with the rivalry, I’ve paid very close attention to what Mark has done and what he’s built,” Kelsey said (per On3). “He’s underselling it, he’s like Noah’s Ark. He’s got two of everything.”
Mark Pope and Kelsey’s roles bring a twist to the Cardinals' and Kentucky’s rivalry. Despite understanding the fans’ sentiments, both admire each other’s approach and coaching. Riley addressed the same at the luncheon, which was attended by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
“I want to not like Mark,” he said. “But it’s hard not to because he’s a really good dude. He came up to me and introduced himself. We started talking and I walked away like, Louisville fans might not want me to say this, so I apologize. ‘That’s a really good dude.’”
Mark Pope will enter the Cardinals rivalry with a huge head start
Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals account for one of the top rivalries in men’s college basketball. Amplified by the proximity of the two programs, it sits as the 3rd most intense on Dick Vitale’s list.
The two teams first faced off in February 1913, with Kentucky winning 34-10. Since then, they have played each other 56 times, with the Wildcats’ dominating the series with a 39-17 record.
The two schools combine for nearly 70 players selected in the first round NBA draft. Notable players with standout performances in the rivalry games include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey, Tyler Ulis and Tyler Herro.
This season, the Cardinals and Wildcats meet in Lexington on December 14. Mark Pope will be tasked with maintaining the Wildcats' two-game winning streak, while Pat Kelsey will look to repeat the Cardinals' 2020-21 success.