Before becoming the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team in 2024, Mark Pope guided Utah Valley’s program to new heights. Back in 2017, he found himself coaching against Kentucky, the team where he had once been a player and helped secure a national title. That night symbolized a striking full-circle moment in his coaching career.

The Pivotal Game Featuring a Rising Star

During the 2017 game at Rupp Arena, Pope’s Utah Valley squad fought fiercely but ultimately lost 73-63 to John Calipari’s Wildcats. A key factor in Kentucky’s victory was a freshmen talent named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The four-star recruit contributed 13 points, along with 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds over 36 minutes, foreshadowing his future stardom.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Rise to NBA MVP

Fast forward to 2025, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed into a dominant NBA presence, earning the NBA MVP title as well as NBA Finals MVP and Western Conference MVP honors. Leading the league in scoring and securing a First Team All-NBA nod, Gilgeous-Alexander stands as one of the world’s elite players. Notably, he is the first Kentucky alumnus to receive the NBA MVP award and the only player from the school to be named NBA Finals MVP.

Full-Circle Significance in College Basketball History

Now, the very coach who faced Gilgeous-Alexander years ago returns to the program that was pivotal in shaping the athlete’s career. This unique connection highlights the unpredictable and inspiring nature of college basketball, where personal histories intertwine and legacies are built over time. Within Kentucky’s storied basketball tradition, the intersecting paths of Mark Pope and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stand out as a memorable chapter in the sport’s ongoing narrative.