The Wildcats have reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament on four occasions (1988, 1994, 1997, and 2001). They have also made two appearances in the National Championship (won over Kentucky Wildcats in 1997, lost to Duke Blue Devils in 2001).

That's right, when Pope was growing up, AND playing in college, and in the NBA, Arizona was a respected powerhouse. Guess what, a much more nationally respected powerhouse than BYU ever was, or still is.

BYU has never won an NCAA championship.. (cue the 1966 NIT romanticists), BYU has never appeared in an NCAA final (cue coulda shoulda woulda Jimmer/Davies year). BYU has never appeared in a Final Four. We have been to the Elite 8 once... one time.

Now, I personally love Pope. But "I'm a man! I'm 40!" I'm actually older than 40 but here's the point. I have absolutely zero qualms with him interviewing with a team that was considered Gold Standard while he was involved in playing basketball. That would be a dream job to take over. The fact that he is rebuilding under sanctions is probably just a bigger challenge that a man like Pope would love to take on. He loves challenges and THAT is one reason I love him.

I have no doubt that Pope wants to win a championship wherever he is. If he's at BYU I have confidence he is going to do his best to win a championship with BYU.

I cannot believe the people that want to criticize him for looking elsewhere. Or feel hurt or betrayed by it. Tell me WHY he should stay, and you tell me what we have done to make him want to stay. I will answer you this: if we want him to stay the answer is simple - 1) pay him; 2) give him the tools to win a championship. If we are not willing to do either of those two things why would he stay? Why would you criticize him if we don't give him those two things?