Kyle Tucker says Kentucky Basketball is facing outside skepticism as questions linger

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 22: Head coach Mark Pope of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kentucky Basketball is once again under the microscope, and according to Kyle Tucker, that scrutiny is extending across college basketball.

Appearing on Uninterrupted by Matt Jones, hosted by Jones on Thursday, Tucker revealed that other programs and executives around college basketball are mocking head coach Mark Pope and Kentucky.

“They are,” Tucker says on Uninterrupted by Matt Jones. “I mean, yeah, I think just in some certain circles, yeah. I talked to some coaches that there are jokes being made, I mean. I’ve talked to a couple GMs. I still have a Lexington phone number. I’ve talked to a couple GMs, and when they answer the phone, and they go, ‘I thought Mark Pope was finally calling realizing he needed a GM and I was going to have to go to my boss and ask for more money.’ You know, I mean, like there, I think there’s a lot of it’s like, it’s not just like straight up making fun, but it’s more like, I don’t, you know, guys saying like, ‘I’m not sure what they’re doing. I’m not sure what they’re trying to accomplish.’”

While Tucker clarified that not all of the chatter is outright mockery, he emphasized a consistent theme with confusion about Kentucky’s direction.

Much of that uncertainty centers on roster construction. Tucker pointed to the Wildcats’ additions at guard, questioning the lack of shooting and overall fit. He also referenced the recruitment of high-profile targets like Donnie Freeman, suggesting Kentucky may have mismanaged opportunities along the way.