Kentucky basketball fell short against Alabama once again on Saturday in another high-scoring affair. Despite a strong start by Mark Pope and the Wildcats, the Crimson Tide rallied back late in the first half and ran away with the game in a 96-83 win in Tuscaloosa.

The list of head coaches on the Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year Watch List has dropped, and Kentucky fans are disgusted with Mark Pope's absence.

Mark Pope was not included in the Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year Watch List, which is very surprising to see. For reference, fellow first year coach Pat Kelsey, who is at in-state rival Louisville,

Coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats lost their marquee matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide 96-83 on Saturday evening despite holding a healthy 30-18 lead midway through the first half.

Kentucky couldn’t keep up with Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Afterward, Mark Pope explained the reasons for the SEC defeat.

Even with injuries affecting the Kentucky basketball roster, Mark Pope would prefer to play with a 10-man rotation. The returns have been uneven.

After Calipari's exit, Kentucky wasted no time and hired BYU head coach Mark Pope, who also played college basketball at Kentucky. Fast forward to February, and Pope is crushing it in his first season in Lexington. On Tuesday night, No. 15 Kentucky moved to 17-7 on the year and 6-5 in SC play with a 75-64 win over No. 5 Tennessee.

Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope talks to the media after the Wildcats’ 96-83 loss to Alabama on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.

Even though he's had success after taking over a new-look Kentucky program in year one, Mark Pope is a notable omission in a recent midseason award watchlist