Since Mark Pope was named the next head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, he has discussed possible games he would like to play in the next few years, including a matchup against Rick Pitino's St. John's team.
However, with all the talk up to this point, the games for next season have been decided.
According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, Kentucky is finalizing a deal to host Western Kentucky next season. It will be part of a three-game multi-team event.
Officials said the Kentucky-Western Kentucky game will be part of a three-game MTE, but dates have not yet been determined. All three games at Rupp Arena are scheduled to be against mid-majors, with one remaining game likely against an HBCU program.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) May 11, 2024
Kentucky has only faced WKU seven times, the last time being in the 2021-22 season when Oscar Tshibwe broke Rupp Arena's single-game rebounding record in a blowout win over the Hilltoppers.
The Wildcats have a 5-2 record against the Hilltoppers, who play in Conference USA.
Last season, WKU went 22-12 overall and 8-8 in league play, good enough for a third-place finish.
In the Conference USA Tournament, the Hilltoppers won all three games to qualify for the NCAA Tournament as the No. 15 seed, but lost to Marquette 87-69.
Unfortunately, WKU lost head coach Steve Lutz, who became the next head coach at Oklahoma State University.He was replaced as head coach at Indian Hills Community College. Hank Prona led the Iowa JUCO program to the NJCAA National Tournament seven times and posted an overall record of 225-35.