Why Kentucky's 2024-25 season was a success despite Sweet 16 loss

When you think of the most storied programs in college basketball, Kentucky is undoubtedly one school that comes to mind. After all, its eight national championships rank second to UCLA's 11 for the most in college basketball history.

Regardless of the coach or players on the floor, success is to be expected from the program. To put into perspective the level of achievement Kentucky has had in its history, the Wildcats have only had seven head coaches since Adolph Rupp's stint from 1931 to 1972. 

Until former team captain Mark Pope took over as the team's head coach for the 2024-25 season, Hall of Famer John Calipari was Kentucky's coach from 2009 to 2024. 

During his tenure at Kentucky, Calipari led the program to 32 NCAA Tournament wins, six SEC Tournament titles, four Final Four appearances and the national championship in 2012. His 410 wins are second to Rupp's 876 for the most in program history.

After failing to advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons, including shocking first-round losses to 15-seed Saint Peter's (2022) and 14-seed Oakland (2024), Calipari departed for Arkansas and opened the door for Pope to return to his alma mater.

Pope inherited a Kentucky program that had zero returning scholarship players. After diving into the transfer portal for some experience and bringing in two local players (Travis Perry and Trent Noah), Pope quickly assembled a roster capable of competing for wins.

There were some key wins (Duke, Gonzaga, Louisville) in non-conference play and eight wins over the top 15 opponents during the regular season, which were tied for the most in NCAA history. After being eliminated by Alabama in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament, Kentucky went into the NCAA Tournament as the three-seed in the Midwest region.

With a 76-57 win over 14-seed Troy and an 84-75 win over six-seed Illinois, Pope led Kentucky to the Sweet 16 and the first meeting all-time against Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament.

Although the Wildcats swept the Volunteers during the regular season by keeping Tennessee out of the lane and forcing it to shoot threes, it was the complete opposite on Friday night. Kentucky only hit six threes in the game and got outrebounded 34-24.

All season, the lack of consistent rebounding and injuries to guards Kerr Kriisa (foot) and Jaxson Robinson (right wrist) were issues. Kriisa has not played since he suffered the injury against Gonzaga on Dec. 7, while Robinson has not played since briefly returning against Oklahoma on Feb. 26. Senior Lamont Butler battled through a left shoulder injury for most of the season but was able to play in the NCAA Tournament.

No, a Sweet 16 loss to bitter rival Tennessee is not how Kentucky envisioned its first season under Pope ending. However, the Wildcats reached their first Sweet 16 since 2019 and finished with a 24-12 record, while Pope won his first two NCAA Tournament games as a coach.

A Sweet 16 run is typically not viewed as an accomplishment at a program where Final Fours and national titles are expected. Nevertheless, considering what Pope accomplished in his first season with an entirely new team, fans should feel optimistic.

With seven seniors on the roster, Pope's success in the transfer portal and ability to attract recruits will be crucial to building on his first season. If he can succeed in those areas, this could only be the start of good things for the Wildcats.