Mark Pope Reaches Out to Kentucky Legend Tony Delk for Guidance and Program Connection
New Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope has wasted no time embracing the program’s rich tradition — reaching out to UK legend Tony Delk for guidance and insight as he begins his tenure in Lexington.
Multiple sources confirmed Monday that Pope personally contacted Delk — the 1996 Final Four Most Outstanding Player and a key figure in Kentucky’s basketball legacy — seeking advice on how to connect today’s players with the championship culture built by past generations.
“Tony Delk embodies what Kentucky basketball is all about — toughness, leadership, winning,” Pope said in a statement. “I wanted to hear directly from someone who has been where our players want to go and understands what wearing this jersey means.”
Delk, who scored over 1,800 points in his UK career and led the Wildcats to their unforgettable 1996 national title, welcomed the call.
“Mark Pope gets it,” Delk said. “He knows Kentucky is bigger than any one person — it’s a brotherhood. I told him to be himself but always make the players understand the standard here never changes.”
Pope reportedly discussed ways to bring former players like Delk back into the program — from mentoring current Wildcats to appearances at practices and events.
This move comes as Pope looks to unify the Kentucky fanbase following the departure of John Calipari to Arkansas. By leaning into the program’s storied past, Pope hopes to build a future that stays true to Big Blue Nation’s championship expectations.
“Kentucky basketball was built by legends like Tony Delk,” Pope added. “And I’m going to make sure our players know that every single day.”
