Koby Brea explains why Mark Pope is “the greatest coach in the world”

When Koby Brea stepped into the madness that is Rupp Arena and helped Kentucky take down No. 5 Tennessee for the second time this year, he was thriving in an offense tailor-made for his skills. After the game, Brea openly discussed how he feels playing under first-year Kentucky head coach Mark Pope.

“Beside the fact that it’s the University of Kentucky, obviously the greatest college in history when it comes to basketball. We have the greatest coach in the world, man. We really do,” Brea told KSR after dropping 11 points in the Wildcats’ thrilling win over Tennessee.

That’s high praise, but when you break it down, everyon will want to play for Pope. Let’s dive into the numbers, the philosophy, and the impact of Pope’s leadership on this Kentucky team.

A System Built for Success

Kentucky’s offense is a high-powered machine, ranking among the nation’s elite in several key categories:

• Points per game: 86.3 (#3 in the nation)
• Assists per game: 17.7 (#10)
• Three-point percentage: 38.4% (#15)
• Shooting efficiency: 1.189 (#10)

Pope’s uptempo, free-flowing system has allowed players like Brea to flourish. Kentucky spreads the floor, lets shooters fire away with confidence, and plays an exciting, modern brand of basketball. Assistant coach Cody Fueger even shared that a referee earlier in the season told him, “Every kid is going to want to play in this style, this system.”

Confidence is Key

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Pope has instilled a level of confidence in his players that is rare in the world of high-pressure college basketball.

“He gives you the most confidence in the world,” Brea said. “I feel that a lot of times coaches take your confidence a little bit. He wants you to go out there and play your game. He wants you to get better every single day. He really wants what’s best for you.”

For Brea, that belief from his coach has been game-changing. The former Dayton sharpshooter has seamlessly transitioned into Kentucky’s system, providing much-needed perimeter shooting and energy off the bench. To read more on Pope’s quotes and life advice click here.

The Early Results Speak for Themselves

Pope’s Wildcats aren’t just playing with confidence—they’re winning (when healthy), and doing it in a way that excites both players and fans. They’ve already proven they can beat top competition with 8 quad 1 wins, tied for 2nd most in the country.

Brea’s endorsement of Pope isn’t just talk though. It’s a reflection of a program that feels revitalized under its new leader. The fans can feel it and the players obviously do too.

So, is Mark Pope truly the best coach in the world? That’s up for debate. But if you ask Koby Brea and the rest of this Kentucky squad, they wouldn’t trade him for anyone else.