When there was initially apparent fan consternation at Kentucky’s choice of Pope, Pitino tweeted out a video of robust support for Pope that seemed to help turn the tide of public opinion. The St. John’s head man then followed that up with equally supportive appearances backing UK’s choice of Pope in the Kentucky sports media.

Last Sunday, when the University of Kentucky formally introduced Pope in Rupp Arena before an exuberant crowd that filled the venue to the brim, the mention of Pitino’s name drew ovations.

Talk about the world turned upside down.

Standing in the arena where Pitino as Louisville coach drew derision and vilification, the new Kentucky basketball head man offered lavish praise.

“Coach Pitino changed me. And I will tell you, like he changed me to my soul, changed my DNA as a human being,” Pope said. “(Pitino) allowed me to be someone who feels they can walk into any room and take on any impossible task. And I will love him forever.”

Pope is proposing Wildcats games against Pitino and St. John’s.

That, too, suddenly seems a popular proposal.

Long-term, the next major battle in the 100 years war between the House of Pitino and the House of Calipari will be whether Pope is more successful at Kentucky than Cal is with the Razorbacks.

For now, after a wild 10 days that has totally uprooted the UK men’s hoops balance of power, the Pitino forces can relish an unlikely victory in “Camelot.”

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