in other, sometimes more important ways. It’s how he gets the best out his players.

Think of the times last year he was naming Dalton & Seljaas while neither started but were still major contributors. Probably Pope’s best trait as a coach is getting the most from his players through building them up emotionally. He believes what he preaches about team unity and does all the right things to get it.

Harding being named is most likely a genuine compliment concerning his contributions off court. Any other reverse psychology tactic would not work b/c guys see through as condescending. They know who is helping or not. I’d worry more about the guys not being mentioned who need to learn from Conner’s example so they can be named as well.