to a few noteworthy teams every year.

But even a solid returning group like the Zags are benefiting immensely from that valuable Portal piece. They don't get past UCLA without Malachi Smith, the Chattanooga transfer. (And consequently, one transfer possibility for Pope to keep an eye on is former Wasatch guy Hickman — who's proving to not be all that good as a PG (which is a big part of why they needed to turn to Smith, I think — who ain't a PG, but was able to give them an impact guard to complement Strawther). Hickman could still be a great back-court scoring & defensive option for someone, though. If Few isn't keen on keeping him on for just that role — I'd certainly want him as a combo guard on our roster.)