Mark Pope’s Three-Point Shooting Strategy

Mark Pope emphasizes a high volume of three-point shots in his offensive system. This was evident during the 2024-25 season when Kentucky set a new record for the most three-pointers in school history, totaling 341, surpassing the previous record held by the 1992-93 team by just one shot.

Aiming for More Records

During a live show in Lexington, Pope revealed his ambition for the 2025-26 Wildcats to break the three-point record once again. However, the question remains whether he has the right players to achieve this aim. Last season featured standout shooters like Koby Brea and Jaxson Robinson, who together contributed 155 of those 341 three-pointers. This season may lack a player as prominent as Brea, but a depth of shooters, many coming from the bench, presents a potential for another record-breaking performance by next March.

Expert Insights on Kentucky’s Shooting Potential

John Fanta, a college basketball commentator for NBC Sports and co-host of the podcast DTF on The Field of 68, expressed optimism about Pope’s vision for Kentucky as an elite three-point shooting team. He specifically noted the strength of the backcourt, mentioning players like Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen as experienced facilitators who could enhance the team’s shooting effectiveness.

The Importance of Depth

Fanta emphasized that having a diverse set of shooters is key to forming a great shooting team. He highlighted players such as Kam Williams, who previously shot over 41 percent from three at Tulane, and Jasper Johnson, known for his shooting prowess. Both players, along with others like Trent Noah and Collin Chandler, add significant shooting options from the bench.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the potential, Kentucky’s starting lineup may not feature many sharpshooters initially. While Lowe’s three-point shooting is expected to improve, and both Aberdeen and Oweh can hit outside shots, the frontcourt duo of Mo Dioubate and Brandon Garrison might not pose the greatest threats from beyond the arc.

Anticipation for the New Season

Given the team’s depth and Pope’s commitment to his offensive style, Fanta believes the Wildcats can develop into a formidable shooting squad. The ability to diversify three-point threats across the roster is a major factor in this assessment. As the season approaches, the excitement surrounding Kentucky’s shooting capabilities continues to build.

Conclusion

Kentucky’s performance in three-point shooting has generated considerable discussion in the offseason. While the true potential of this new roster will only be revealed in action, there is a strong sense of optimism regarding their shooting abilities this season.