
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is already making waves in his return to Lexington, not just with his bold recruiting efforts and energetic style, but also with his vocal support for changes to the rules governing men’s college basketball. As the sport continues to evolve, Pope is emerging as one of the prominent voices calling for modernization and structural tweaks — changes he believes could improve the pace, appeal, and overall integrity of the college game.
During a recent interview, Pope outlined a couple of specific rule adjustments he believes would benefit the men’s game. Chief among them: extending the college basketball schedule and moving toward four quarters instead of the traditional two halves. While neither of these ideas is entirely new, Pope’s advocacy adds fresh momentum to conversations that have been simmering behind the scenes for years.
1. Transitioning from Halves to Quarters
One of the most significant changes Pope supports is shifting from the two 20-minute halves currently used in men’s college basketball to the four 10-minute quarters format already adopted by the women’s game. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and regular season have operated under this structure since the 2015–16 season, and many coaches and players have praised the format for its rhythm and flow.
Pope believes the men’s game would benefit similarly.
“The women’s side has proven that quarters make for better pacing, more strategic play, and a cleaner game overall,” Pope said. “It allows for more natural breaks and resets the team fouls after each quarter, which prevents games from bogging down with free throws in the final minutes of each half.”
Indeed, the current system allows team fouls to accumulate throughout the half, often leading to extended stretches of free throws — particularly in close games. Switching to quarters would reset the foul count more frequently, potentially reducing the time spent at the line and allowing for a smoother viewing experience.
Pope also points out that the quarter system better aligns college basketball with international and professional standards, including the NBA and FIBA rules. “If we want to prepare players for the next level — and many of us do — having consistency in how the game is played can only help,” he noted.
2. Extending the College Basketball Calendar
Another change Pope is championing is the extension of the college basketball season. The current schedule, which typically begins in early November and runs through early April, is packed with games, tournaments, and travel, but Pope believes spreading the season out could improve both the quality of play and the overall health of student-athletes.
“Right now, we cram a ton of games into a short window,” he said. “Players don’t have time to recover physically or develop at the pace we’d like. If we could stretch the calendar — even by a few weeks — it would allow for more rest, better preparation, and a higher-quality product on the court.”
He envisions a format that begins slightly earlier in the fall and potentially extends further into April, giving programs more flexibility in scheduling non-conference matchups, incorporating international tours, or even organizing mini-tournaments during off weeks.
Beyond player welfare, Pope sees this adjustment as a strategic opportunity for college basketball to carve out more visibility in a crowded sports calendar. With college football dominating the fall and March Madness monopolizing late-season attention, an extended season could allow for better programming windows and greater fan engagement throughout the year.
The Broader Impact and Pushback
While Pope’s ideas are gaining traction among other coaches and administrators, they aren’t without potential roadblocks. Moving to quarters would require NCAA approval and coordination across conferences, as well as adaptation in officiating and stat-keeping. Extending the calendar, meanwhile, could face logistical issues tied to academics, facilities, and overlapping sports seasons.
Still, Pope believes the conversations are worth having. “If we’re not willing to adapt, we risk falling behind — not just in terms of fan interest, but in how we support our players and grow the game,” he said. “We’ve already seen how other leagues are innovating. College basketball shouldn’t be afraid to do the same.”
His perspective is informed not just by his coaching experience, but by his time as a player. A former national champion with Kentucky under Rick Pitino in 1996 and a former NBA player, Pope has seen the game evolve from every angle. That experience, combined with his current platform at one of the most iconic programs in the country, gives his voice added weight.
In a time when college sports are being reshaped by NIL deals, transfer portal shifts, and changing media landscapes, Pope’s push for structural reform is timely. Whether the NCAA will act on these ideas remains to be seen, but if more high-profile coaches like Pope continue to press for change, the men’s college game may soon look very different than it does today — and perhaps for the better.