out there, it seems, and on the short list of coaches admired by NBA players as well for X's and O's, development, and likeability. And yet his hire wasn't really expected over some other candidates. For BYU to get KY, and UK to get their 4th or 5th choice, seems like BYU AD scooped the UK AD brain trust to some degree. Sure, UK got a former alum, and former NC at UK, but one has to wonder if they were presented with the choice of either Pope or KY, who would they choose? Pope was not really on any NBA Short lists. Regardless, KY's immediate emphasis and credibility on making BYU players NBA prospects is likely gonna pay dividends, now, in player retention, and down the road.
Liked the beard though. Can't argue with the wiffy's preference, but still sad to see it go!