College basketball icon Dick Vitale made a special stop in Lexington Wednesday evening to visit with new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats. The longtime ESPN broadcaster and Hall of Famer, known for his passionate support of the sport and love for the game, spent time getting to know Pope and several players during his visit.
Vitale, who has covered countless Kentucky games over the years, continues to be one of the sport’s most recognizable voices. His trip to Lexington came as part of a summer tour to visit programs and reconnect with coaches ahead of the upcoming season.
The legendary analyst was greeted at his hotel by Madison Sheppard, daughter of former UK star Jeff Sheppard and sister of current sophomore guard Reed Sheppard. The moment was captured in a photo shared to social media, where Vitale praised the Sheppard family and expressed excitement for the new era of Kentucky basketball under Pope.
With Vitale’s visit and national attention already turning toward Lexington, it’s clear the Big Blue Nation is drawing buzz well before tip-off. Pope’s team will look to build on Kentucky’s storied tradition, and Vitale will no doubt be watching.