Koby Brea Calls Out Atlanta Tipoff Club for Snubbing Mark Pope in Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year List

Koby Brea Calls Out Atlanta Tipoff Club for Snubbing Mark Pope in Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year List

Kentucky basketball has been one of the biggest stories in college hoops this season, yet head coach Mark Pope was shockingly absent from the Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year list. The snub didn’t sit well with Koby Brea, who took to social media to call out the Atlanta Tipoff Club for not recognizing the tremendous impact Pope has had since taking over the Wildcats.

Brea’s Frustration Over Pope’s Omission

Koby Brea, a standout guard at Dayton, is no stranger to high-level basketball. His respect for what Mark Pope has done at Kentucky led him to openly question why the Wildcats’ head coach was left off the midseason watchlist for the prestigious award.

Brea posted a fiery statement, expressing his frustration:

“How is Mark Pope not on this list? The man took over one of the biggest programs in college basketball, retooled the entire roster, and has them competing at the highest level. What more does he need to do?!”

Mark Pope’s Impact at Kentucky

Since taking over at Kentucky, Pope has revitalized the program with strong recruiting, elite coaching, and a fresh culture of winning. The Wildcats have remained a top-tier force in the AP Poll, displaying a level of consistency that many did not expect in Pope’s first year. His ability to develop young talent, implement an effective system, and compete with powerhouse programs has made him one of the most talked-about coaches this season.

Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Questionable Decision

The Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year list features some of the best coaches in the country, but Pope’s omission has raised eyebrows. Many believe that his body of work should have made him an obvious inclusion, considering Kentucky’s dominance and how well the team has adjusted under his leadership.

Brea isn’t the only one questioning the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s decision. Several analysts and Kentucky fans have echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Pope’s coaching performance this season deserves national recognition.

Can Pope Still Win the Award?

While Pope was not included in the midseason list, there is still a chance he could be added as a finalist if Kentucky continues its dominance heading into March Madness. If the Wildcats make a deep tournament run, it will be hard for the selection committee to ignore his impact.

For now, however, the Atlanta Tipoff Club will have to face criticism from fans, analysts, and players like Koby Brea, who believe Mark Pope is more than deserving of Coach of the Year recognition.