A transcript of Mark Pope’s postgame news conference follwing the Kentucky men’s basketball team’s 77-51 win over Nicholls on Tuesday at Rupp Arena. Some questions have been edited for length and clarity.

For head coach Mark Pope, the true measure of his Kentucky team won’t just be the points they score, but the possessions they stop. “It’s really important. It’s going to determine how good we are this year,” said Pope, emphasizing the role of defense in shaping his team’s potential.

Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats are 1-0 after a 77-51 win over Nicholls. This was a game for Kentucky where the one consistent was the Wildcats' elite defense. Fr

No. 9 Kentucky opened the second season of the Mark Pope era with a 77-51 victory over Nicholls Tuesday night in Rupp Arena. After a sluggish first half in which the ‘Cats shot 32% from the field, Kentucky scored 49 points on 61% shooting in the second half to secure the win.

The first 20 minutes of UK’s season-opening victory over Nicholls were a tough watch, but Pope sees it as a major positive for his team.

Here are three things we learned as Kentucky basketball now looks ahead to next week's exhibition against top-ranked Purdue at Rupp Arena:

Ready for Kentucky basketball? Mark Pope's Wildcats begin their 2025-26 season this week. Get ready for the action with our coverage.

LEXINGTON — Kentucky basketball forward Trent Noah exited the game against Nicholls on Tuesday due to an injury and didn't return. During a news conference Thursdsy, Kentucky coach Mark Pope said Noah "should be back soon.

Kentucky basketball was a tough scout for opponents last season. Why? SEC coaches and players on what it's like facing Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats.

Kentucky basketball is gearing up for their second game of the regular season on Friday against the Valparaiso Beacons, who are coming off of a thrilling 66-63