Kentucky basketball builds team chemistry during annual Eastern Kentucky retreat

With Kentucky Basketball wrapping up its summer practices Thursday, the Wildcats are now taking time to build team chemistry away from the court.

The team traveled to Eastern Kentucky on Friday for its annual retreat, continuing a tradition that has become a staple under coach Mark Pope.

To begin the trip, the players and staff helped to build a gazebo for the ARH Cancer Center in Hazard. Despite the hot and humid conditions, the Wildcats spent the day working on construction and landscaping while giving back to the local community.

One fan, Ray Combs, took to social media to praise the team for its efforts.

“I just want to take a moment to brag on the @KentuckyMBB team and the hard work they have done today building a gazebo for the UK Cancer Center here at Hazard ARH. It’s hot, it’s humid, and these fellas haven’t stopped, neither has @CoachMarkPope.”

During the project, Pope also went live on Instagram but handed his phone to an ARH Cancer Center staff member, who walked around and spoke with several Kentucky players.

The staff member visited Milan Momcilovic, who was practicing his Kentucky accent, and later checked in with Franck “The Tank” Kepnang, who appreciated the help from the volunteers.

“They’re the GOATs,” Kepnang said. “I’m just listening to what they’re telling me. They just tell me what to do, and I just do it.”

Before the Instagram Live ended, Pope appeared to be confused about how to shut it off and eventually had to ask assistant coach Mikhail McLean for help.

After finishing the community service project, the Wildcats headed to Red River Gorge for a kayaking tour.

Since Pope took over as Kentucky’s head coach, the team has made an annual trip to Eastern Kentucky. During his first year, the Wildcats spent time in Hazard helping build homes for people impacted by flooding. The team also participated in a community cookout and spent time at the lake.

Last season, Kentucky returned to the region and visited Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge, where players went hiking, ziplining, and rode the skylift.

With another summer retreat now underway, the Wildcats are once again getting an opportunity to strengthen their relationships while making a positive impact away from the basketball court.