The Kentucky Wildcats recently concluded their first season under head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky hired Mark Pope after parting ways with longtime head coach John Calipari, who now leads the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Louisville basketball rivalry entered a new era last season, with both programs picking up new head coaches. Alas, some fans complained that Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and Louisville’s Pat Kelsey were too kind to each other for the rivalry to meet its potential.

Four-star forward Braydon Hawthorne committed to Kentucky on Tuesday, giving coach Mark Pope a late addition to his 2025 recruiting class. Hawthorne, the No. 33 overall player in the 2025 class by 247Sports,