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

The Kentucky head coaching job hasn’t lost its luster for Mark Pope after coaching the Wildcats for 23 games. During an interview with ESPN’s Matt Barrie on Tuesday, Pope discussed his appreciation for the opportunity to be at the helm of Kentucky.

Mark Pope is enjoying his first season as Kentucky men's basketball head coach. He has won 16 of 23 games and has the Wildcats as the No. 15 team in the country heading into Tuesday's showdown against the Tennessee Volunteers.

In the big picture of Kentucky basketball, the 23 games Mark Pope has served as head coach is not an ample sample size. Nevertheless, as No. 15 UK (16-7, 5-5 SEC) prepares to face No. 5 Tennessee (20-4, 7-4 SEC) at Rupp Arena on Tuesday night, some trends have emerged that seem likely to shape the future of Pope’s tenure as Wildcats coach.

The Wildcats are beating expectations and playing pretty ball in Year 1, but their new coach's link with the fan base is powering the vibes.

Just how impressive was Kentucky basketball's 3-point shooting in Tuesday's win over Tennessee? The Courier Journal puts it into perspective.

Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope answers questions after UK’s dismal defensive showing in a road loss at Ole Miss.