In a thrilling clash with No. 6 Duke at the Champions Classic, Kentucky proved that resilience and determination are key ingredients to a massive win.
Despite facing adversity in the first half, down by nine points at halftime, the Wildcats’ relentless fight and tactical adjustments earned them a hard-fought victory. And behind that attitude? Head coach Mark Pope’s unwavering philosophy: “Keep coming in waves.”
Pope has instilled in his players a mindset of perseverance, urging them to push through even when things aren’t going their way. Whether it’s struggling with offensive rebounds or facing tough competition, Pope emphasizes one powerful principle: don’t back down. He wants his players to attack, no matter the obstacles. In his own words, it’s about pushing past the frustration: “The tenth time is when you have the breakthrough.”
Take offensive rebounding as an example—something Pope constantly pushes his team to improve. “We don’t like being rejected. We don’t like coming up short,” Pope explained. “But emotional resilience means you don’t stop. Even if you get knocked down nine times, that tenth time might be the moment it all pays off.” It’s this relentless mentality that defines champions—the willingness to keep going, even when the scoreboard doesn’t reflect immediate success.
That mindset was on full display against Duke. Kentucky’s players didn’t fold under pressure; instead, they attacked the glass, battled through every physical challenge, and wore down their opponent. The result was a comeback for the ages—a testament to the power of persistence and “coming in waves.”
As the Wildcats move forward this season, expect this never-say-die mentality to fuel their pursuit of greatness. With Pope’s leadership, Kentucky is proving that emotional resilience is just as crucial as skill—because when the going gets tough, the tough keep coming.
