Also, I think his player development abilities are unleashed. i was a harsh critic of Pope when he worked under Rose. It never seemed like the few Big Men BYU would get ever really excelled under Pope; (guys at least 6'-7" and 210+ lbs). But looking back at the contrast in Style between Roses game and Popes game, I think Pope was just being held back by the offense and defense that Rose ran. I look at the development of the big men, of Colby Lee, Harward, and Harmes. I look at how Caleb Lohner looked like a H.S. player in the first few games and how he looks like a young Larry Bird now. His offense is coming along nicely. I look at the other 2 & 3 players in that 6'4-6'7 range and see a lot more rebounding, better footwork, better defense. I think this is a really good, really deep team that is still developing its chemistry. BYU has what is developing into one of the top 10-15 guard (ABBA) tandems in the country.

I was concerned about the Pope hire because of what I thought was his deficiencies. I am SOOOOO glad I was wrong. If I could outline ONE thing I wish the entire team would learn to do better....

OFFENSE AT THE RIM.
Way too many missed shots in the 3'/closer game.

Other than that, BYU is executing shots and FT's better than at any time in the Rose era (meaning far fewer "SHORT SHOTS").

ANOTHER UPNOTE: Ball movement and unselfish play is really a clear indication of the team making great shot decisions. BYU HAD ASSISTS ON I BELIEVE OVER 75% OF THE SHOTS MADE LAST NIGHT. That is proof that players are only taking direct shots at the hoop when they know they alone are the very best option. Otherwise they are finding the best open shot. It would be interesting to know what the ASSIST% would be on all shots if all shots were made (in other words, how many assisted shot attempts vs all shot attempts).