Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope is considering adding a general manager role to his staff, emphasizing efficiency in roster building. In a recent interview, Pope joked about his ideal candidate while noting ongoing discussions. The move comes amid other programs enhancing their front offices ahead of the transfer portal.
Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball coach Mark Pope addressed the possibility of hiring a general manager during his weekly radio show on Wednesday. He described the role as crucial for securing top talent without excessive spending, humorously stating his perfect hire would "get me all the best players for $0."
Pope told KSR that conversations about the position are ongoing, with the program exploring what structure would best suit its needs. "Yeah, that’s been an ongoing conversation for us," he said. "We’ve had a lot of conversations trying to find exactly the space that will work best for us. But, you know, as everybody figures this out, that is certainly a direction that some teams have gone with, with really incredibly varied levels of success. So we’re probably having conversations about it on a weekly basis."
The consideration follows recent moves by other high-major programs. Auburn is targeting a GM hire before the April 7 transfer portal window, according to On3’s Justin Hokanson. Indiana hired Ryan Carr, previously the Pacers' senior vice president of player personnel, as executive director of basketball earlier in the week.
Pope also mentioned input from former Wildcats teammates who claim they can help build a cost-effective roster. "We’re having a lot of conversations. I’ve had several former teammates say that’s exactly what they can do," he told KSR. "I don’t know if I trust them, but it’s a part of the process."
Entering his third year, Pope faces a pivotal offseason with the transfer portal opening in six weeks. The Wildcats aim to transition from a high-cost roster to one focused on program value.
