Louisville basketball is one of the most historic programs in college basketball. The Cardinals have a rich history that draws many college basketball fans to tune in for their games, and when Louisville basketball has a good season, then college basketball is having a good season.
The Cardinals had a horrific two-year run before head coach Pat Kelsey took over, as Louisville went 12-52, including a 4-28 record. Louisville had some embarrassing losses throughout those two seasons, but in just one season, Kelsey was able to completely flip this program around and not only put Louisville back on the map, but have them a National Title contender.
Well, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pop just gave Louisville some high praise, and made that November 11 showdown even better.
Related: Pat Kelsey's fiery message just set the tone for Louisville's championship push
Kentucky’s Mark Pope just spilled the truth about Louisville basketball's rise
Louisville and Kentucky fans don't have much good to say about one another, but the Cardinals' head coaches certainly do. Through Kelsey's two seasons with Louisville, it has been clear that there are no hard feelings between the two coaches, as Kelsey even stated in 2024, “I want to not like Mark, but it’s hard not to because he’s a really good dude.”
Now, just before the 2025-26 season and seven weeks before Louisville and Kentucky's blockbuster showdown, Kentucky's head coach gave Kelsey high praise and love and is thrilled to see Louisville relevant again.
ICYMI: Mark Pope is embracing the 'Heartland rivalries' his program is renewing 👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) September 17, 2025
"Louisville being awesome, Indiana coming back... it's good for college basketball, and it's gonna be good for us"
FULL INTERVIEW ⬇️https://t.co/Gh0zVQQAk8 pic.twitter.com/xCMnWS1V2I
“Listen, it’s great. I’m telling you, college basketball is great. Like, when the Knicks are great, the NBA is great, right?“ Pope stated on The Fielf of 68 podcast. "Louisville is picking it up, which is so awesome. Indiana’s gonna pick it up, which is so awesome. I think North Carolina is going to be better this year, which is so awesome. I think Virginia is going to be better this year.”
The Kentucky head coach's love for Louisville's return is just another reason that proves how much Kelsey has turned this franchise around. Whether the fans like to admit it or not, these two rival head coaches have nothing but love for each other.
Pope's praise didn't stop there for Louisville, but he then talked about how it isn't just awesome for Louisville's fans, but for college basketball.
"We’re gonna have this kind of Heartland Revival right now that I think makes the game so much better for these incredible fan bases, and I love it,” Pope stated Wednesday afternoon. “It’s awesome. It’s good for college basketball and it’s good for us.”
Pope is 100 percent right on this, too. It isn't just good for Louisville and its fans. The whole sport is better when the Cardinals are better, and Kentucky included. This rivalry is much better when both teams are relevant and are fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. And this year, both teams have the chance to be a National Title contender, and Pope and Kelsey are buying into the rivalry and are hoping for that November 11 matchup.
Related: Louisville's non-conference schedule proves the Kentucky clash is on the perfect date
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.