Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Says Troy Is a Really Good Team, and He Is Not Wrong
As the Kentucky Wildcats continue to prepare for the challenges of the upcoming NCAA Tournament, Coach Mark Pope made a compelling statement about a team that’s not typically at the forefront of March Madness conversations: Troy University. Pope, known for his candid assessments and deep understanding of college basketball, recently remarked that Troy is a “really good team,” and his words carry weight, considering the caliber of teams Kentucky is used to playing against. But why exactly is Troy being singled out, and why should fans and analysts alike take notice of this relatively under-the-radar program?
Troy University, located in Troy, Alabama, may not have the same national recognition as a Kentucky, Kansas, or Duke, but in recent years, they’ve quietly built a strong program that’s making waves in college basketball. From their disciplined approach on both ends of the floor to the steady development of their players, Troy’s rise in the Sun Belt Conference has earned them respect within the basketball community. Coach Pope’s recognition of Troy as a “really good team” is a testament to the success and potential of the program. As we head into March Madness, it’s worth exploring why Troy should be taken seriously and how their style of play makes them a formidable opponent.
1. Troy’s Rise in the Sun Belt Conference
Troy’s basketball program has come a long way over the past several seasons. Once seen as a mid-tier team in the Sun Belt Conference, they have transformed into a legitimate contender with a growing reputation for toughness and resilience. Under the leadership of Scott Cross, who took over as head coach in 2018, Troy has steadily improved each season and has begun to make a name for themselves in the ever-competitive Sun Belt.
The key to Troy’s rise has been a mixture of solid recruiting, player development, and defensive discipline. They’ve built their success on a foundation of grit and determination, playing an up-tempo style of basketball while also being able to grind out tough games. The team’s defensive prowess has been a hallmark of their play, making them difficult to break down, even for high-powered offenses. They have shown an ability to compete with the best in their conference and have emerged as a legitimate threat to teams in the NCAA Tournament.
In recent years, Troy has earned respect by consistently performing well against top competition, both within the Sun Belt and in non-conference play. As they prepare for the tournament, they are fully aware of the spotlight that will be on them, and they will be ready to prove that their place in March Madness is well-deserved.
2. Why Coach Mark Pope’s Praise of Troy is Significant
Coach Mark Pope is no stranger to high-level basketball. As the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, he has faced some of the best teams in the country, both within the SEC and in non-conference games. So when Pope speaks highly of an opponent, it’s worth paying attention.
Pope’s comments about Troy reflect a deep understanding of what makes a team dangerous in March Madness. In the tournament, it’s often the teams with a solid defense, a clear game plan, and players who can rise to the occasion that can cause upsets. Troy fits this mold perfectly. While they may not have the same marquee names as some of the other top teams, they have developed a style of play that makes them dangerous in a tournament setting.
Pope, with his experience in coaching top-tier programs and players, knows that a team like Troy can present unique challenges for any opponent. Their defense, in particular, can throw off teams that rely too heavily on fast-break points or a high-octane offensive system. Troy’s ability to execute a disciplined game plan could very well make them a sleeper team to watch as March Madness unfolds.
3. Troy’s Defensive Prowess
One of the defining characteristics of Troy basketball in recent seasons has been their defensive intensity. The Trojans are a team that thrives on shutting down their opponents’ best scorers, forcing turnovers, and dictating the pace of the game. This style of play has made them a difficult team to beat, especially in a tournament format where every game is a high-pressure situation.
Troy’s defense begins with Jahvonte Smart, a senior guard and one of the team’s most important players. Smart is known for his lockdown defense and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for Troy, as he can match up against a variety of offensive threats. Alongside Smart, the Trojans have several other defensive-minded players who excel in team defense, using their length and athleticism to frustrate opponents.
What makes Troy’s defense particularly effective is their ability to adapt. They can switch between man-to-man and zone defenses with ease, confusing teams that rely on a predictable offensive system. In March Madness, where upsets are common, a team with a defense that can keep an opponent off balance and out of rhythm is always a threat.
Against teams like Kentucky, who typically excel at pushing the ball in transition and getting easy baskets, Troy’s defense will be crucial. If they can slow the game down and force Kentucky into a half-court offense, they could disrupt the Wildcats’ rhythm and make it a much tougher game. This ability to control the pace of the game could give Troy an edge in a tournament setting, where momentum swings and key stops can change the course of a game.
4. Offensive Efficiency and Player Development
While Troy’s defense often gets the most attention, they are far from one-dimensional. On offense, the Trojans are a well-balanced team that can attack in a variety of ways. Zay Williams, a standout forward for Troy, has been a key figure in their offensive success, and his versatility has made him a matchup nightmare for many teams in the Sun Belt. Williams is capable of scoring both inside and outside, making him an effective weapon in the post and on the perimeter.
Additionally, Troy has a solid supporting cast of shooters who can stretch the floor and keep defenses honest. Their offensive efficiency is rooted in ball movement and finding the best shot available, rather than relying on one or two individual players to carry the load. This team-first mentality on offense is often a characteristic of successful tournament teams, as it allows them to stay calm under pressure and not rely on just one player to win the game.
With players like Williams, Smart, and Caleb Brooks, Troy can score in a variety of ways. Whether it’s through fast breaks, post plays, or timely three-pointers, Troy has the offensive firepower to compete with higher-seeded teams. If they can execute their game plan effectively, they have the potential to not only challenge teams but also outscore them when it matters most.
5. Troy’s March Madness Mindset
In the lead-up to March Madness, Troy is carrying a chip on its shoulder. They are a program that has worked tirelessly to earn the respect of their peers, and now they have an opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stage in college basketball. Despite being a team from a mid-major conference, Troy has a chance to make noise in the tournament, and they are well-aware of the opportunity ahead.
Coach Scott Cross has been preaching resilience and focus to his players. He knows that the pressure of March Madness can sometimes overwhelm teams, but he also understands that his players have the grit and mentality to thrive in such an environment. Troy’s recent successes have demonstrated that they are more than capable of competing with top-tier teams, and they will enter the tournament with confidence.
For Kentucky, facing a team like Troy in March Madness could present unique challenges. The Wildcats are a team built on offensive firepower and star players, but they will need to match Troy’s intensity on defense and stay composed in the face of pressure. If Kentucky underestimates Troy, it could be a costly mistake.
A Team to Watch in March Madness
As March Madness draws near, it’s clear that Troy University is not a team to overlook. Coach Mark Pope’s recognition of Troy as a “really good team” is an acknowledgment of their well-rounded game and ability to compete with some of the best programs in the country. With a strong defense, efficient offense, and a winning mentality, Troy has all the ingredients of a potential Cinderella story in the tournament.
For Kentucky, the challenge will be to stay focused, avoid underestimating their opponents, and execute their game plan. Troy’s defense and balanced offensive attack make them a formidable opponent, and they will look to prove that their place in the tournament is more than just a byproduct of their conference affiliation. As March Madness unfolds, Troy’s ability to keep games close and execute under pressure could make them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
While many eyes will be on the traditional powerhouses, Troy’s mix of grit, skill, and tournament experience will make them a team to watch closely as the 2025 NCAA Tournament progresses. Coach Mark Pope was right—Troy is a really good team, and they could very well be poised for an unforgettable run in March Madness.