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LEXINGTON — One of the most-discussed topics surrounding the Kentucky basketball program under Mark Pope is the general manager position. Or, in the Wildcats' case, a lack thereof.
While many power-conference teams have one person solely dedicated to the role, Pope and UK have declined to go that direction.
In a video Pope posted Friday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the coach doesn't appear to be considering that possibility any time soon.
And he explained his rationale.
"In this ever-changing, dynamic college basketball environment, everybody is trying a different solution," Pope said. "For us, instead of hiring a singular GM, we've gone with a more comprehensive general management team approach."
Kentucky has split those responsibilities among four people.
"Keegan Brown is a data analysis and roster construction expert that's worked in both college and in the NBA. Nick Robinson is our salary cap strategy and management specialist. Kevin Sergent is our compliance officer, and he deals with all of our contracts and legal language. And Kim Shelton is our JMI liaison, and she does all of our NIL contracts that deal with corporate sponsorships," Pope said. "That's our four-person general management team."
When Pope brought Brown aboard in March, it was expected the new hire's role would be as GM. Instead, his official title on the athletics department website is "Director of Roster Management."
Even if naming a lone GM is the route most major programs have decided is best in this new age of college athletics, Pope's answer Friday was proof he's going to continue doing things his own way for the foreseeable future.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope on why UK staff doesn't have a GM
Continue reading...
While many power-conference teams have one person solely dedicated to the role, Pope and UK have declined to go that direction.
In a video Pope posted Friday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the coach doesn't appear to be considering that possibility any time soon.
And he explained his rationale.
"In this ever-changing, dynamic college basketball environment, everybody is trying a different solution," Pope said. "For us, instead of hiring a singular GM, we've gone with a more comprehensive general management team approach."
Kentucky has split those responsibilities among four people.
"Keegan Brown is a data analysis and roster construction expert that's worked in both college and in the NBA. Nick Robinson is our salary cap strategy and management specialist. Kevin Sergent is our compliance officer, and he deals with all of our contracts and legal language. And Kim Shelton is our JMI liaison, and she does all of our NIL contracts that deal with corporate sponsorships," Pope said. "That's our four-person general management team."
When Pope brought Brown aboard in March, it was expected the new hire's role would be as GM. Instead, his official title on the athletics department website is "Director of Roster Management."
Even if naming a lone GM is the route most major programs have decided is best in this new age of college athletics, Pope's answer Friday was proof he's going to continue doing things his own way for the foreseeable future.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope on why UK staff doesn't have a GM
Continue reading...
