Mark Pope has taken over as head coach of the Kentucky men’s basketball program, inheriting a roster that hasn’t made it past the second round of the NCAA Tournament in the last four seasons. Like John Calipari, who led Kentucky to success after taking over in 2009, Pope has a lot of work to do. The 2024 recruiting class is in jeopardy of falling outside the top 100, and several key players have entered the NBA Draft or transferred. Pope has signed one player from BYU, where he was the head coach, and may bring others with him. With at least eight scholarships available, Pope will be active in the transfer portal and could also target players remaining in the 2024 recruiting class.