As a group of former Wildcat greats gathered around Pope, Pitino entered the Rupp Arena floor while a video clip of him was played. He said he wanted to “go back to Camelot” one more time and acknowledged the fans he said made him happy every day for eight years.
“And now we get to root for someone that that name Kentucky, it’s what he’s all about,” said Pitino, dressed in a blue zip pullover with a white UK logo. “The most selfless, humble young man I’ve ever coached in my lifetime. One of the great, great examples of what Kentucky basketball is all about … He’s going to lead you to greatness in every sense of the word. Thank you all very much.”
___
Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll