LEXINGTON, Ky. — It’s not uncommon to see a sea of blue outside of Rupp Arena in Lexington.
On Sunday, fans showed up by the thousands to support a new era and a familiar face who will lead the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team.
Big Blue Nation is very familiar with former Wildcat Mark Pope.
He was a former player during the Rick Pitino era at Kentucky and also served as team captain on the 1996 team that won a national championship. For those not familiar with Pope, he lets you know exactly who he is.
"I'm someone that loves Kentucky from the depths of my soul. I'm someone that loves this game from the depths of my soul. I'm someone that loves my family from the depths of my soul and I'm someone that's a believer and loves God from the depths of my soul. That's who I am," Pope said.
As he made his way over to the arena ahead of the press conference to officially introduce him as the new head coach, Pope got out of his vehicle and immediately started greeting anxious fans.
Some fans wore pope hats and others held signs containing phrases like "Welcome home" or "Believe."
Pope took his time meeting fans while posing for selfies, giving hugs or handshakes. It was a sign the fans were ready to embrace something new.
Inside Rupp Arena, the atmosphere was just as electric as it was outside. Excited fans filled the seats of the arena and one would think an actual basketball game was taking place.
Pope made his way to the floor complete with a police escort and a huge bus that featured staff and some players from the 1996 championship team.
"The captain is now the coach," Tom Leach, the voice of UK radio, said.
Athletic director Mitch Barnhart was taken aback at the enthusiasm from fans saying, "You came here for a press conference; that's awesome."
Barnhart stated that it was time for the program to find their way back to national dominance. He said Pope will guide the program "back to our heart."
When Pope took the microphone, he was met with thunderous applause.
PHOTOS | Basketball fans welcome Mark Pope as new UK men's coach
He wasted no time talking about the expectations of the program while remembering its rich history of winning.
"I understand the assignment; we are here to win banners," Pope said. "As we go through this journey, we are here to win banners in Nashville. You guys turn out in Nashville like nobody else and that matters. Our job here, our assignment is to go win banners in the Final Four and win national championships. That's our job."
Pope made a point that former and future players should know that wearing a Kentucky jersey is a great honor. He expressed that it's not about him, it's about a team effort and those who fill up Rupp Arena.
With six players entering the transfer portal, including 7-foot-2 center Zvonimir Ivisic, how will Kentucky recruit?
Pope confirmed he has been in contact with members of the current roster, the players that have been recruited by the last staff and players still in the portal.
"We're going to find the guys that fit here, the way we play and the guys that will come here and understand what a gift it is to play at the University of Kentucky," he said.
Pope said his style of play will focus on aggressive offense while changing it up to keep opponents on their heels when it comes to defense.
One thing is for certain: Pope is ready for the task put before him and he has a fanbase ready to pour into the next generation of Kentucky basketball.
"When I look up at those banners, when I look up at those rafters, it looks super crowded," he said. "If I know anything in the world about Mitch Barnhart, he's going to make more room. Let's go fill it up. Go Cats."
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