Mark Pope is working to establish a new basketball culture at UK, and he’s finding the right players to do it.

The NBA combine is a prime opportunity for draft prospects to present themselves to the league’s decision-makers just weeks before the draft. While some participants engage in scrimmages, the behind-the-scenes conversations are equally critical. Prospects meet with NBA executives and reporters, providing a chance to showcase their fit for a franchise.

At this event, Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II and Wake Forest’s Hunter Sallis were notably pleased when discussing two players who weren’t present: Koby Brea and Andrew Carr. Brea and Carr, who will join Kentucky next season, are key additions to Mark Pope’s inaugural roster as the Wildcats’ head coach. Holmes and Sallis spoke highly of their former teammates, which will resonate with UK fans.

“If a player can’t see something bigger than himself, he’s not my guy,” Pope told the Herald-Leader after taking the Kentucky job. As Pope builds a team-first culture in Lexington, it’s evident he’s finding the right players. “You guys are getting a great guy,” Sallis said of Carr. “He’s a balls-to-the-wall type of leader. He’s going to go all out for his team. And he’s just a guy that the people down there are going to love.”

“He’s very humble. He works very hard,” Holmes said of Brea. “An elite shooter. He’s a leader, too. He’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever played with. He’s a very good guy.”

Brea and Carr are expected to be foundational pieces of Pope’s first roster. Both players have extensive college experience and are projected as potential starters when Pope makes his debut in November. Brea, a 6-foot-6 guard from New York, made 100 three-pointers at a 49.8% rate last season. Pope, who favored a high-volume three-point shooting offense at BYU, will likely bring a similar style to Kentucky. Holmes believes this will be a perfect match. “Pope and shooters — that’s his type of game. That’s going to benefit him a lot,” he said.

Carr, a 6-10 forward from Pennsylvania, is also a proficient shooter, making 36 three-pointers at a 37.1% rate last season. Described as a versatile offensive player, Carr’s defensive skills were also praised by Sallis. “He blocks a lot of shots. He had a lot of double-doubles this year. He’s definitely a really good defender. Underrated, for sure.”

Brea and Carr’s ability to space the floor will be crucial in Kentucky’s offense. Their shooting prowess will keep defenders on their toes, making it easier for teammates to find open shots. Holmes highlighted the impact of Brea’s shooting on the court, noting how it opens up the game for everyone else.

As important as their on-court skills are, Brea and Carr also embody the culture Pope aims to instill at Kentucky. Pope emphasizes connection and teamwork, where each player lifts the team. Sallis described Carr as a “prime example of a culture type of guy,” perfect for building a strong team ethos.

Holmes, who played against Pope’s BYU team, praised Pope’s coaching style and believes he will successfully transform the Kentucky program. “I think that he’s an underrated coach, and I think that people are going to see that. Give him some time, and he’s going to turn that program around.”