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Dec 23, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope talks with center Malachi Moreno (24) during the second half against the Bellarmine Knights at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
One of the best traditions of the summer returned on Thursday as Kentucky Basketball once again made players available to the media during offseason workouts.
The first group to speak included rising sophomore center Malachi Moreno, veteran big man Reece Potter, and incoming freshman guard Mason Williams. While each player provided insight into the team’s progress, Moreno delivered one of the most memorable moments when discussing head coach Mark Pope.
Pope has recently been sporting a beard, and Moreno jokingly took credit for the new look.
“Next time you all see him, make sure you let him know that he got the beard from me,” Moreno told the media on Thursday. “Because, you know, I started growing mine out after the season was over, and I think he just saw how mine was looking. He’s like, you know what? I want to try that.”
“But no, I think he’s come in with a little different demeanor. He’s just holding us to the highest standard of what Kentucky is. And I think now that he’s doing that, he’s got the dark side now.”
While the beard drew some laughs, Moreno’s comments about Pope’s approach stood out even more. The sophomore believes the Kentucky head coach has raised expectations entering his third season in Lexington and is demanding excellence from a roster loaded with talent and experience.
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