Before the season began, and even more so during the early stages of the season, most fans knew this was a rebuilding year. Most people were thinking BYU would end up somewhere in the middle of the WCC. And before the Gonzaga and SMC games most fans (if they're being honest) would have been hoping BYU wouldn't lose in a blowout.

So now, after BYU loses to the Zags and SMC, each by one point, in a heartbreaker, many BYU fans are up in arms saying Pope should be replaced. Did they melt down during the last minutes of the Gonzaga game? Definitely. Could they have secured a win vs SMC if they didn't turn the ball over in some of the last possessions, or hit critical FTs at the end of the game? Certainly.

But before each game most fans would have been ecstatic if they were told that BYU would be in a position to win at the end. Are there things BYU needs to improve on? Absolutely. Everyone knows what they are (inbounds plays; breaking pressure; hitting FTs, especially late in games; reducing turnovers, particularly at key moments). And, yes, it's frustrating to repeatedly see those breakdowns.

But the bottom line, at least for me, is that this team is competing well against some of the best teams in the league. They're making progress. I believe there are still some positive surprises to see this season. And I still believe the future of this program is bright.