Regardless of when Kentucky's run ends, Pope has restored optimism at Kentucky. He is a passionate, sincere and capable leader who has guided Kentucky to a whopping eight wins over top-15 foes while navigating health issues with Jaxson Robinson, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr and Kerr Kriisa.

You could say that John Calipari stepping away from Kentucky was the rare case of a win-win as it relates to a head-coaching change.

There was frustration when John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas. There was passion when the Razorbacks head coach returned to Rupp Arena and defeated the Wildcats. However, with both teams now in the Sweet Sixteen,