Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope stunned everyone with his latest move, taking his recruiting efforts to the next level. Pope, along with incoming freshmen Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, participated in the USA Basketball U19 National Team training camp at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Pope served in an on-court coaching role, while Johnson and Moreno vied for spots on the 12-player roster for Team USA’s squad competing in the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland.
This opportunity allowed Pope to coach top talent and build relationships with players, showcasing his ability to develop skills and foster teamwork. Pope described the experience as a “rare honor” and expressed gratitude for the chance to be part of something bigger than himself and Kentucky basketball.
Pope’s involvement with USA Basketball has generated excitement among Wildcats fans, who are eager to see the impact on the team’s recruiting efforts. The move demonstrates Pope’s commitment to representing the University of Kentucky well and leveraging opportunities to enhance the program’s reputation.
