Mark Pope says this Kentucky Basketball team is probably the best shooting team he’s ever had

On Wednesday afternoon, Kentucky Basketball showcased their talents during the SEC Basketball Tipoff in Birmingham, Alabama. Among the many insights shared, coach Mark Pope’s statement caught the most attention. Pope confidently declared, "We are walking into the season with a whole bunch of confidence and optimism about what we can grow into.

I think this team on the offensive side of the ball is long and skilled. It can really shoot. It’s probably the best shooting team I’ve ever had." Pope’s past experiences with elite shooting teams have led him to believe that this year’s Kentucky team could potentially surpass even BYU’s 2019-20 squad, which held the record for the best 3-point shooting team in America.

Members of the team, such as Milan Momcilovic, have expressed their ambition to break Kentucky’s all-time 3-point record. The team's newfound shooting prowess can be attributed to the addition of talented shooters like Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins, both of whom have shown significant improvement in their three-point shooting percentages.

Malachi Moreno, although limited in his three-point attempts last season, is expected to contribute more in the upcoming season. Pope’s coaching style has consistently emphasized the importance of long and skilled players, a trait evident in the team's roster.

While some players may need to improve their performance, Pope is confident that the team will be able to put the ball in the basket efficiently from various areas, including three-point range and around the rim. He anticipates the team to achieve low 40s in team shooting percentage and expects the players to create considerable creativity and scoring opportunities. As Pope concludes, "It’s probably the best shooting team I’ve ever had," signaling a promising outlook for the 2026-27 Wildcats.