The winds of change may be swirling around Lexington, but Mark Pope is doubling down on one of Kentucky basketball’s most powerful assets: continuity. As the newly appointed head coach of the Wildcats, Pope steps into one of the most high-pressure roles in college basketball with a deep appreciation for tradition—and a clear vision for the future. That future, he believes, begins with the group of returning players who have already called Rupp Arena home.
In an era dominated by the transfer portal and NIL-driven roster turnover, Pope is not looking to simply wipe the slate clean. Instead, he’s leaning into the talent that’s already on campus. The former BYU coach has made it clear that while Kentucky may add key pieces, the heart of the 2025–26 team will be shaped by the veterans who return with experience, hunger, and unfinished business.
“This is Kentucky,” Pope said during his introductory media session. “You don’t just wear this jersey—you grow in it. And I fully expect the guys coming back to make a huge jump. That’s not a hope. That’s the plan.”
For Pope, development isn’t a buzzword—it’s the backbone of his coaching philosophy. During his tenure at BYU, he turned under-the-radar recruits into All-Conference performers, and walk-ons into key contributors. At Kentucky, he knows expectations are different—but the blueprint remains the same. Growth is the goal, and he believes the Wildcats have a strong foundation to build on.
Though the full roster picture is still taking shape, several returners are expected to play pivotal roles. Among them are players who flashed potential under the previous regime but are now being challenged to take on larger leadership responsibilities. Pope has already begun individual workouts and conversations to establish expectations, and the message is consistent: It’s time to rise.
One of the key returners is sophomore guard D.J. Wagner, who endured a roller-coaster freshman season but showed glimpses of the five-star talent that made him one of the most coveted high school prospects in the country. Pope believes Wagner is ready to take the next step—not just as a scorer, but as a vocal leader and two-way player.
“D.J. has all the tools. He’s explosive, he’s smart, and he wants to win,” Pope said. “What we’re working on now is consistency and maturity. He’s not a freshman anymore. He knows what this level requires, and I think he’s excited to show the world what he’s really capable of.”
Another player drawing strong praise is forward Aaron Bradshaw, whose size and athleticism made him a mismatch nightmare at times last season. Bradshaw’s development was somewhat hampered by injuries and system fit, but Pope sees him as a modern big who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and anchor the team’s physical identity.
“Aaron’s ceiling is as high as anyone’s in college basketball,” Pope stated. “He’s just scratching the surface. With the right structure, the right support, and a system that plays to his strengths, he can be dominant.”
Pope’s style of play, which emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and quick decision-making, is expected to benefit several returning guards and wings who often found themselves stuck in a half-court grind under previous schemes. He’s aiming to inject pace and freedom into Kentucky’s offense while demanding accountability on the defensive end.
“I want us to play fast, smart, and together,” Pope explained. “It starts with trust. These returning players— they’ve been through the fire. They’ve taken some hits, they’ve had big moments, and they understand what this fanbase expects. Now we’re giving them the tools and structure to maximize their gifts.”
It’s clear Pope isn’t just coaching for this season—he’s building a culture. That culture revolves around development, toughness, and pride in representing one of the most storied programs in sports. And he believes that culture is best established by players who’ve already walked the Kentucky path.
Another expected returner drawing attention is Justin Edwards, who struggled to find consistency early in the year but ended the season with flashes of brilliance. The 6-foot-7 wing was once projected as a top NBA Draft pick, and while his stock dipped, Pope sees the situation as a blessing in disguise.
“Sometimes you need to go through adversity to find out who you really are,” Pope said of Edwards. “The talent is there. No one questions that. But now he’s coming back with something to prove—and that’s dangerous. I love coaching guys who are hungry.”
That hunger, Pope says, is what separates good players from great ones. And it’s something he’s trying to foster in every returning Wildcat. To that end, he’s already begun assembling a staff that includes top-tier developers and communicators—coaches who not only understand the game but also how to reach young men navigating the modern college basketball landscape.
As the roster continues to take shape, Pope remains clear that the returning core will be the team’s heartbeat. He’s not looking to replace them—he’s looking to elevate them. And he’s challenging them to meet the moment, not shrink from it.
“The easy thing would be to run from expectations,” Pope said. “The hard thing—the Kentucky thing—is to embrace them. That’s what I want from our guys who are coming back. I want them to say, ‘This is our team. This is our year.’”
Pope’s belief in his players has already had a ripple effect throughout the program. Strength coaches are seeing new levels of intensity in offseason workouts. Academic advisors are noting increased focus and engagement. And perhaps most importantly, the players themselves are responding to the fresh energy and high expectations.
Behind closed doors, Pope has made it clear that returning players won’t be handed anything. But they will be empowered. Roles will be earned, not given—but they’ll be given every opportunity to succeed. That balance of accountability and belief, Pope argues, is what creates greatness.
“We’re going to compete every day,” he said. “But it’s not about tearing each other down. It’s about building something special—together. The returning guys, they’re the ones who are going to set that tone. They’re the ones who know what this jersey means.”
Of course, Pope understands that words mean little without results. Kentucky fans are famously passionate and famously impatient. After recent seasons that fell short of national championship expectations, the bar remains as high as ever. But rather than shy away from it, Pope is walking directly into the challenge with optimism and resolve.
He’s not promising perfection. He’s promising progress. And that progress, he believes, will be driven by the players who’ve already taken the first steps.
“It’s going to be a journey,” Pope said. “But I believe in these guys. I believe in their work ethic, their toughness, and their commitment. And I believe that, with the right leadership, they’re going to take a giant leap forward.”
Time will tell just how far that leap goes. But one thing is already clear: under Mark Pope, Kentucky’s returning core isn’t being overlooked or undervalued. They’re being counted on—and that may be exactly what they need to flourish.
From the moment he took the job, Pope has preached belief. Now, he’s backing it up with action, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose. And if the returning Wildcats rise to the occasion the way he believes they can, Kentucky basketball might be headed for one of its most compelling chapters yet.