The Pope girls and I arrived HOME in the UK one week ago to begin the greatest adventure of our lives. It’s been an incredible ride—that’s exactly what Kentucky basketball is! It’s the ultimate basketball experience,” Pope posted on X (previously Twitter) on Sunday. And BBN has redefined southern hospitality to a whole new level! I’m grateful. We are fully engaged in the task. We’ll not give up. We are aware of the task! Together, we will accomplish this. We are so grateful that it overflows our hearts. We’ve arrived at home.

Pope hasn’t spoken on his experience at BYU since taking the position in Kentucky ten days ago. He made no mention of BYU in his opening press conference with the Wildcats last week in front of a packed Rupp Arena.

Mark Pope thanked the BYU basketball team.
In the same X post, Pope did, however, express gratitude for his time at BYU. Pope was involved in the BYU basketball program for nine seasons total, counting his tenure as an assistant coach and head coach.

“I am also incredibly grateful for all of the benefits that have brought us here on this holy Sunday morning. For our family, BYU will always hold a very special place. One of my mentors told me shortly after we got at BYU that “BYU had more to offer me than I had to offer BYU.” We experienced a positive shift in our lives as a result of our time at BYU, proving the truth of those words. Thinking back on all of the enduring friendships we made at BYU is overwhelming. We are incredibly appreciative.