Pope sacrificing that year to get his players to where they were this year. The big leap didn't just magically happen over the offseason. He purposely had them play faster than they were able to all year--which caused all kinds of turnovers and frustration. However, he stuck with it and everybody got good enough to compete in the Big 12. Sure we can complain about the postseason, but to have that team shock the world and not only compete in the Big 12, but finish with a winning record was a huge step. Just getting that team into the tournament was a major success. That year looked like garbage, but the hard work part usually does. That was what earned him the opportunity to go to Kentucky.