Mark Pope visits Wheeler’s Pharmacy: Why that’s important

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Kentucky basketball head coach Mark Pope gives an update on the upcoming 2026-27 season during a press conference in Lexington, Kentucky July 24, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

Before Kentucky Basketball head coach Mark Pope and his staff visited Wheeler’s Pharmacy recently, many fans were hoping he would make the trip because of a long-standing Kentucky tradition. Several Wildcats coaches who eventually won national championships made a visit to the iconic Lexington establishment before cutting down the nets.

Those coaches include Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith.

Now, Pope has added his name to that list.

“BBN knows there’s something legendary about Wheeler’s Pharmacy. We had to go experience it for ourselves!” Pope wrote on social media.

Pope was joined by several members of his coaching staff, including Mark Fox, Mikhail McLean, Cody Fueger, Nick Robinson, Keegan Brown and other staff members. During the visit, the group took photos with employees and customers enjoying lunch at the longtime Lexington favorite.

Wheeler’s Pharmacy has been a staple in the Lexington community since 1958, when William K. “Buddy” Wheeler opened the business. Wheeler passed away in 2024, but he sold the pharmacy to his daughter, pharmacist Claire Wheeler Lewis, in 2020. Under her leadership, the tradition continues with people coming in for their famous lunches or prescriptions.

While a visit to Wheeler’s Pharmacy certainly doesn’t guarantee a national championship, the tradition has become a fun superstition among Big Blue Nation.

BBN knows there’s something legendary about Wheeler’s Pharmacy. We had to go experience it for ourselves! pic.twitter.com/NsErS55i2X

— Mark Pope (@CoachMarkPope) August 5, 2026

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