Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has made it clear which players on his roster will have the freedom to fire from beyond the arc in the upcoming season. Known for his emphasis on a fast-paced, perimeter-oriented offense, Pope’s decision to grant certain players the “green light” is crucial for shaping the team’s identity and offensive flow.

 

In a recent media session, Pope shared his thoughts on the importance of shooting in today’s game, explaining that teams can’t survive without reliable perimeter shooting. “The three-point shot is a game-changer,” Pope said. “We have to be able to spread the floor, and I want our guys to feel confident when they get the ball in rhythm and see an opening.”

 

Pope went on to name several Wildcats who will be entrusted with the responsibility of stretching opposing defenses this season. Leading the way is sophomore guard Reed Sheppard, who impressed last year with his shooting stroke and ability to knock down threes under pressure. Sheppard has spent the offseason refining his mechanics and expanding his range, and Pope feels confident that the young sharpshooter will be one of the team’s most dangerous weapons from downtown.

 

Alongside Sheppard, the dynamic freshman guard Jasper Johnson has also been given the green light. A highly-touted recruit, Johnson is known for his ability to score in bunches from beyond the arc, and Pope believes his confidence as a shooter will open up lanes for his teammates to attack the basket. “Jasper’s range is incredible,” Pope remarked. “He’s one of those guys who can shoot it from deep, and that adds another dimension to our offense.”

 

Senior forward Tre Mitchell is another key player Pope will rely on for perimeter shooting. Though traditionally a forward, Mitchell has worked hard on developing his three-point shot, adding versatility to his game. At 6’9″, Mitchell’s ability to step out and hit from long range forces defenses to stretch and guard him closely, which creates mismatches on the inside.

 

Pope also mentioned that other players like Robert Dillingham and DJ Wagner will have situational freedom to shoot from beyond the arc but noted that their focus will be more on playmaking and driving to the rim. “It’s not just about who can shoot, but about finding the balance,” Pope said. “We have a lot of guys capable of knocking down the three, but the key is knowing when to take the shot.”

 

With Pope’s clear strategy on who will be taking the long-range shots, the Wildcats look to be a potent offensive threat, combining speed, athleticism, and a deep arsenal of three-point shooters heading into the 2024-25 season.