When you think of college basketball since 2010, Herb Sendek is a name that stands out. And if you're a Kentucky basketball fan, he's someone you should definitely know about-just ask Mark Pope.
Herb Sendek and Mark Pope: A Storied History
Herb Sendek began his head coaching career in 1993 with Miami (OH), but it's his stints at NC State and Arizona State that most fans remember. At NC State, Sendek led the Wolfpack for a decade, reaching the Sweet 16 once and compiling an impressive 191-132 record.
His journey then took him to Arizona State, where things didn't pan out as hoped, leading to his dismissal in 2015. But Sendek quickly found a new home with Santa Clara in 2016, and this year marks his first NCAA Tournament appearance with the Broncos since the 2013-2014 season.
Sendek and Pope have crossed paths multiple times, with Santa Clara coming out on top in three of their four meetings while Pope was at BYU.
Pope's Lone Victory Against Sendek
In 2019, during Mark Pope's inaugural year with the Cougars, BYU hosted Santa Clara and secured an 85-75 victory. It was a classic display of Pope's offensive strategy, marking his only win against Sendek.
Nail-Biting Losses for Pope
The rivalry heated up in 2022 when Santa Clara edged out BYU by a single point, thanks to Jalen Williams' game-winning floater at the buzzer. Williams later went on to join the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder and became an NBA champion.
The following year, the Broncos once again bested BYU, this time on the road. Their final encounter in 2023 saw Santa Clara triumph by seven points in Provo.
A New Approach for Mark Pope at Kentucky
This season, Kentucky has shown inconsistency, deviating from Pope's typical style of play. Interestingly, this shift might work in his favor against Santa Clara.
Santa Clara is known for dominating the offensive boards and forcing turnovers-areas where Kentucky has struggled. However, Kentucky's speed could be a game-changer, allowing them to exploit transition opportunities.
Gone is the San Antonio Spurs-inspired offense that Pope favored at BYU, characterized by fluid ball and player movement. Instead, we're seeing a more deliberate, isolation-heavy approach.
While this matchup won't be a walk in the park, Kentucky fans shouldn't be too concerned. This could be the game where Pope's strategic adjustments finally pay off, potentially leading to a victory over Sendek's squad.