I've been a part of two different coaching staffs. One at a juco and one at a high school.


I actually have been told quite a bit about what Pope's specific roles were. There is some general crossover in coaches meetings. Pope also focused on the big guys.

What I'm telling you is that I was not impressed with much from him from a coaching perspective. Yes, our front court personnel wasn't good---but IMO Quincy Lewis is a superior x's and o's coach who is more detail oriented.

Pope is a fantastic recruiter and is beloved by coaches and players.

I realize the head coach has final say which schemes, lineups etc... But from the many I have talked to--most have said similar things about Pope. Exceptional with recruiting and player relationships. Average at best when it comes to X's and O's and actual coaching.

I was disputing the original point that we are struggling now because Pope was covering up Rose's weaknesses and now that he's gone we can't win big because Pope isn't here. That point of view doesn't hold water to me because I think Quincy is a better coach.

I will admit that Pope is missed as a recruiter--but that beast won't rear its head for another few years when those missed recruits come back from missions.