Both Kentucky basketball programs picked to finish eighth in SEC

BIRMINGHAM, Al. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- First year head coaches Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks are projected to have their Kentucky basketball teams finish eighth in the SEC this season.

The annual media poll has the Cats as middle of the pack teams as the seasons for both teams are days away.

Credit- UK Athletics

Pope at the Podium

“It reminds me of 30 years ago when I played in this league. It’s so dominant,” said Pope on how the SEC has become a top league in the nation. “(The SEC) has three teams with venues in the top five in country in terms of attendance. Right now it is a gauntlet that is to be respected and feared a little bit.”

Pope is spot on. The SEC has nine teams in the first AP Top 25 poll of the season. The Wildcats are ranked 23rd.

Guard Jaxson Robinson is coming into the SEC after following Pope from BYU in the offseason. Last year’s Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year says that he needs to prepare for the physicality of the conference amongst other things.

“Just getting my teammates involved, making plays off of the bounce, showing more aggressiveness, being more assertive,” said Robinson.

The Beginning of Brooks

“Great opportunities,” like coaching the Wildcats don’t come along too often according to Brooks, who reiterated his awe of Solid Blue fans’ love of basketball in his opening statement.

“How good will we be right away remains to be seen,” said Brooks. The AP Top 25 Poll says that UK will be formidable though as the team comes in at 22nd preseason rankings.

The new look Wildcats only have two players, Georgia Amoore and Clara Strack, who have played together before. Brooks also has his daughter, Gabby, in the squad.

With so many new faces, Brooks promises one constant.

“One of the things that’s followed us from school to school with my staff is family,” said Brooks. “Everything about it has been about family. It’s a different kind of closeness.”