Mark Pope, Otega Oweh, and the Kentucky men’s basketball team brought more than just basketball skills to London, Kentucky, on Friday they brought energy, excitement, and a strong presence to the community. The team kicked off their weekend with a satellite camp at North Laurel High School, the hometown of former Wildcat star Reed Sheppard, marking the first of two such camps in a 24-hour stretch.
For the young athletes attending, it was a classic Kentucky camp experience. The Wildcats led drills, offered words of encouragement, and brought plenty of fun often swatting away layup attempts with ease. The event wasn’t just about hoops; it was about building connections and creating memories for the next generation of basketball dreamers.
According to Mark Pope, the idea to host the camp in Laurel County along with making a donation was driven by the players themselves. He explained that the morning after the tornadoes struck, he contacted Jeff Sheppard simply to check in, without any plans for a camp or fundraiser.
As conversations unfolded about-face to how to best support the community, Pope said the players quickly took the lead. “They said, ‘This is the one. Let’s go do a camp down there, let’s be present,’” Pope recalled. The initiative continued to grow, ultimately culminating in the team deciding to make a meaningful financial donation as part of their support efforts.
The day wasn’t solely about basketball for Mark Pope and the Kentucky team it was about service and community. After a morning practice, the team boarded a bus and traveled down I-75 to southern Kentucky, dedicating their day to supporting those affected by recent tornadoes.
Their first stop was Faith Assembly of God, where they met with around 250 storm victims, offering encouragement and solidarity. From there, the Wildcats continued their outreach by helping deliver furniture to another individual impacted by the disaster, before arriving at North Laurel High School to host the evening basketball camp.
Sophomore guard Collin Chandler reflected on the experience, emphasizing how impactful it was for both the team and the community. “We spent a few hours just listening to people and hearing their stories,” he said. “What mattered most to them was having someone truly listen and care.”
Chandler added that the resilience and unity shown by those affected left a strong impression on the team. “It was super inspiring for us to see a community come together like that. People were so full of faith, even in the face of such devastation,” he shared.
Otega Oweh shared his experience speaking with the church’s pastor, who encouraged him to “find some light in the negative stuff.” That message stuck with him as he witnessed the strength and unity of the community.
Even in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster, Oweh noted how the people of southern Kentucky continue to lean on one another, showing resilience and hope as they work
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