It appears there’s some confusion in your request regarding the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team. Head coach Mark Pope has not signed a $180 million contract; rather, he signed an 8-year, $95 million contract extension in November 2024, which includes a $3 million annual retention bonus through 2035. 
Additionally, there are no reports of Coach Pope signing a $180 million guard. However, he has been actively recruiting and securing top talent to strengthen the Wildcats’ roster. Notably, he successfully recruited five-star guard Jasper Johnson, who chose Kentucky over Alabama and North Carolina.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the Wildcats have a substantial NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) budget of $8 to $10 million for the 2025-26 season, enhancing their competitiveness in recruiting.
In summary, while Coach Mark Pope has not signed a $180 million contract or guard, he has secured significant commitments and resources to elevate Kentucky basketball in the coming seasons.
