Koz's USC was blown up, so I think his movement homeward had more to do w that than anything. Meanwhile, the AAU HC over he & his buds, Bahr & Johnson — that guy was reported to have done all he could to poison the well against Pope (the same guy is very tight w some of Rose's former staff who have been known to do the same against Pope for years now; sour grapes???) — YET Bahr & Johnson both made it clear that they liked Pope a lot & were serious throughout their Sr seasons of aligning w BYU for college play.

As for Hall, Richie & Jax — What makes you think any of them didn't like Pope? As far as I can see, only Richie had an invitation to occupy a scollie at UK. If Richie had the opportunity to play a similar role at UK as he does with us — I kinda doubt he'd be back in Cougar Blue with us. I also highly doubt Pope put the full-court press on him to get him to Lexington like many on this board seem to think. Pope really doesn't need him all that badly at UK. I think his recruiting trip was a very open, cordial & low-pressure visit — in which Richie's future at BYU was never forced off the table in the discussions.