LEXINGTON, Ky. — He paused until the applause and cheering subsided. Once he collected his thoughts, he began to speak.

Rick Pitino, visibly moved and dressed in Kentucky blue for the first time in many years, made a memorable return to Rupp Arena during the Big Blue Madness event, which celebrated the storied history of Kentucky basketball.

“I am thrilled to be back,” Pitino expressed after taking the microphone. “I told myself, ‘Before I retire, I want to come back to Camelot one last time.’ This experience has surpassed all expectations for me. This has been one of my happiest nights in quite some time, as I get to reconnect with my players and the fans who brought joy to my life every day for eight years.”

His meaningful comeback was largely due to Mark Pope, one of his former players. Pope, who served as captain of the 1995-96 team that won the Wildcats’ sixth national championship under Pitino, is now starting his first season as the head coach at UK.

“We get to cheer for a man who — while many great coaches have come through here — embodies what Kentucky is all about,” Pitino stated, adding, “It’s not about Pope. He won’t claim the spotlight for himself.”

Pitino’s presence in Lexington was anticipated: Earlier this week, he had confirmed rumors about attending the upcoming football game between Kentucky and Vanderbilt at Kroger Field. Many speculated his appearance at the football would follow a sighting at Big Blue Madness. However, there was no official word—neither from Pitino, Pope, nor anyone else—on his attendance Friday night. Just moments before he took the stage with other members of UK’s national championship teams, he was noticed in a tunnel at Rupp Arena.

He still wished to divert attention away from himself.

“He is the most humble and selfless young man I’ve ever coached,” Pitino remarked about Pope. “Mark is a fantastic representation of what Kentucky basketball stands for. He will lead you to unprecedented heights in every way imaginable.”

Indeed, Pitino continues to thrive.

He is currently in his second season as the head coach at St. John’s.

Success has followed him everywhere he has coached in college basketball.

Over 36 seasons, Pitino boasts an impressive record of 854 wins and 306 losses (.736 winning percentage), serving at Hawaii, Boston University, Providence, Kentucky, Louisville, Iona, and St. John’s. His official NCAA record stands at 731-303, as he had to relinquish 123 victories during his tenure at Louisville, including a national title in 2013 and a Final Four appearance in 2012.

However, his impact is most profound in Lexington.

Pitino led the Wildcats for eight seasons (1989-90 to 1996-97), achieving a remarkable record of 219 wins to 50 losses (an 81.4% winning rate). He took a struggling program that was at risk of facing severe NCAA penalties and quickly revitalized it. In his first two seasons, UK could not compete in NCAA tournaments, but in the next six seasons when they were eligible, Pitino guided the Wildcats to five appearances in the Elite Eight or better, including a national championship in 1996, a runner-up position in 1997, and another Final Four appearance in 1993.

Pope is always vocal in his admiration for Pitino.

Though Pope kept his remarks about his former coach succinct during his brief Friday address, he previously shared how deeply Pitino influenced him at his introductory press conference in April.

“Every coach who has come here has made incredible contributions to Big Blue Nation, but Coach Pitino changed my life,” Pope stated. “He transformed my core, my being. He gave me the confidence to face any challenge.”

“And I will remain grateful to him forever.”

This story has been updated with new information.