Break out the Canadian Tuxedo BBN, Mark Pope wants all the denim
Mark Pope has a knack for embracing Kentucky basketball’s storied traditions, but his latest idea is sure to spark plenty of debate in the Big Blue Nation.
The Wildcats’ head coach recently hinted at a potential return of the infamous denim uniforms, a bold fashion statement first worn in 1995 under then-coach Rick Pitino. The connection is personal for Pope—he played under Pitino during his time at Kentucky, making the denim threads a memorable part of his playing career.
“I’m working on it,” Pope said with a grin when asked about the possibility. “We’re pretty passionate about trying to make that happen, so we’ll see what we can come up with. It’s definitely on my agenda.”
The denim uniforms were as divisive as they were unique. Designed to mimic the look of blue jeans, they were a far cry from the traditional clean-cut styles fans had grown accustomed to. For some, they were a fun and daring departure from the norm, embodying the swagger and creativity of Pitino’s high-flying Wildcats. For others, they were an eyesore—a relic best left in the past.
Pope knows it won’t be easy to pull off. He knows these things take time. There are so many hoops to jump through with design, approval, and all the logistics of it.
The idea of resurrecting the denim look has already sparked lively discussions among fans. Some are all-in, nostalgic for the days of Pope and his teammates sprinting up and down the court in their bold blue threads. Others remain skeptical, fearing the backlash that might come from such a risky move in today’s style-conscious world.
Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that the denim uniforms are a unique part of Kentucky basketball history. If anyone can bring them back with a splash of fun and flair, it’s Mark Pope. And if they do return, one thing is certain: they’ll have everyone talking about Kentucky basketball—just the way Pope likes it.
