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.

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

Kentucky faced a very hungry Texas team on Saturday night in Austin, a team that was really looking for a resume-boosting win, and one over the Wildcats would certainly do that. Fast-forward to after the game,

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.

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,

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