All the Doom & Gloomers are out

[JonathanW]

So predictable. This type of response is why I started that post about the board melting down if Ark were to upset us.

“8-10 is our likely record”
“9-9 is our ceiling”
“Auburn and UT will destroy us”
“Pope isn’t ready for this job”
and more incredibly negative things I’ve read on here.

We all knew the SEC would be a battlefield this year. The worst SEC team won’t qualify for it, but if did could do some damage in the NIT.
Sure injuries happen to many teams. Do I think we lost because of injuries? No. We lost because of TO’s plain and simple! But injuries didn’t help, maybe guys are a little looser with the ball when tired or banged up.

But let’s not forget the same team that beat us yesterday, beat that UT team whom many of you think will “destroy us” just 1 week ago. UT also got “smoked” at Home by 30 by that Florida team we beat.
And that Auburn team that will destroy us in 5 weeks in Rupp, yet they barely survived at SEC worst USC down most of the game taking the lead with 4 seconds to go. And then they also barely survived at Georgia by 2. But Auburn is very good, finds a way to win.

And those of you who are talking shit about any of our players are pond scum!!
It’s fine to say Chandler is not ready. But to say he should transfer to BYU is ignorant. We knew he would need time to dust off his skills after not playing for 2 years. It’s fine to say we need Williams to play better, but to call him a “pussy” is being one yourself. He has showed up big in some games, just not vs Vandy, but he is still our best rebounder and rim protector and we need him to win.

I liked what we got from Almonor and Noah. Perry struggled. Oweh was a beast. Garrison struggled. Brea struggled. Robinson the past 3/4 games is now making shots when he is squared up and not shooting them off a curl. I think Butler is trying to put too much on his shoulders, like Robinson did earlier, and he’s just not that guy. So yeah, we need more than 3-4 guys playing well to win. But we should get more than that most games.

 

[Fox2monk]

So predictable. This type of response is why I started that post about the board melting down if Ark were to upset us.

“8-10 is our likely record”
“9-9 is our ceiling”
“Auburn and UT will destroy us”
“Pope isn’t ready for this job”
and more incredibly negative things I’ve read on here.

We all knew the SEC would be a battlefield this year. The worst SEC team won’t qualify for it, but if did could do some damage in the NIT.
Sure injuries happen to many teams. Do I think we lost because of injuries? No. We lost because of TO’s plain and simple! But injuries didn’t help, maybe guys are a little looser with the ball when tired or banged up.

But let’s not forget the same team that beat us yesterday, beat that UT team whom many of you think will “destroy us” just 1 week ago. UT also got “smoked” at Home by 30 by that Florida team we beat.
And that Auburn team that will destroy us in 5 weeks in Rupp, yet they barely survived at SEC worst USC down most of the game taking the lead with 4 seconds to go. And then they also barely survived at Georgia by 2. But Auburn is very good, finds a way to win.

And those of you who are talking shit about any of our players are pond scum!!
It’s fine to say Chandler is not ready. But to say he should transfer to BYU is ignorant. We knew he would need time to dust off his skills after not playing for 2 years. It’s fine to say we need Williams to play better, but to call him a “pussy” is being one yourself. He has showed up big in some games, just not vs Vandy, but he is still our best rebounder and rim protector and we need him to win.

I liked what we got from Almonor and Noah. Perry struggled. Oweh was a beast. Garrison struggled. Brea struggled. Robinson the past 3/4 games is now making shots when he is squared up and not shooting them off a curl. I think Butler is trying to put too much on his shoulders, like Robinson did earlier, and he’s just not that guy. So yeah, we need more than 3-4 guys playing well to win. But we should get more than that most games.

I swear man, I really hope we win Tuesday. We need a big Win and the board will be insufferable if not even though it’s another tough road game.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

So predictable. This type of response is why I started that post about the board melting down if Ark were to upset us.

“8-10 is our likely record”
“9-9 is our ceiling”
“Auburn and UT will destroy us”
“Pope isn’t ready for this job”
and more incredibly negative things I’ve read on here.

We all knew the SEC would be a battlefield this year. The worst SEC team won’t qualify for it, but if did could do some damage in the NIT.
Sure injuries happen to many teams. Do I think we lost because of injuries? No. We lost because of TO’s plain and simple! But injuries didn’t help, maybe guys are a little looser with the ball when tired or banged up.

But let’s not forget the same team that beat us yesterday, beat that UT team whom many of you think will “destroy us” just 1 week ago. UT also got “smoked” at Home by 30 by that Florida team we beat.
And that Auburn team that will destroy us in 5 weeks in Rupp, yet they barely survived at SEC worst USC down most of the game taking the lead with 4 seconds to go. And then they also barely survived at Georgia by 2. But Auburn is very good, finds a way to win.

And those of you who are talking shit about any of our players are pond scum!!
It’s fine to say Chandler is not ready. But to say he should transfer to BYU is ignorant. We knew he would need time to dust off his skills after not playing for 2 years. It’s fine to say we need Williams to play better, but to call him a “pussy” is being one yourself. He has showed up big in some games, just not vs Vandy, but he is still our best rebounder and rim protector and we need him to win.

I liked what we got from Almonor and Noah. Perry struggled. Oweh was a beast. Garrison struggled. Brea struggled. Robinson the past 3/4 games is now making shots when he is squared up and not shooting them off a curl. I think Butler is trying to put too much on his shoulders, like Robinson did earlier, and he’s just not that guy. So yeah, we need more than 3-4 guys playing well to win. But we should get more than that most games.

Is it "doom and gloom" to suggest that we go 9-9 in the SEC and earn a 4 or 5 seed?

This is an insanely difficult conference with five or six legit Final Four contenders.

Where's the shame in winning 9 games in the hardest league in all of sports?

You predicted 11 wins. Maybe that happens, but I just don't think it's likely. That's not a knock on Pope. It's the reality of his first year coming in the SEC's most difficult season in history.

 

[The_Answer1313]

Yeah I don't really see this as doom and gloom. This is actually more realistic then most of the times on this board where it's one extreme or the other.

To me it's more about perception.

Is it oh ok 9-9.......very good in a tough conference with a first year coach.

Or does one look at it like omg we are .500 in the SEC we are complete crap.

It should be the first one

 

[Cawood86]

I think some folks are not happy unless they are miserable in some way.

This year was gonna be a journey for all of us. Unsure how Coach Pope would do. Unsure of the players and team. The offense, for the most part has been a good surprise. I'm confident that this offense will be even better when Coach Pope continues to recruit like he has so far.

The defense and rebounding has to improve. The SEC is a grown man league. Bama, Auburn, and TN have some serious dudes on both ends. But they didn't get them overnight. Give Coach Pope time to build his roster and himself in college basketball and let's see how it goes.

 

[billoliver40]

Most of us would make a horrible team. We get far too ecstatic over an individual win and project that as a national banner. We get far too low over losses and nitpick them to the point of distraction.
And most of us said we had little to no big expectations going in to this season.
Now the sky is falling.
I think we all should readjust our ideas about what we expect and what we can do.

 

[Terrapin_Station]

I think there’s a lot of realistic people coming forward and a few pessimists. But I don’t find them insufferable. Never have. I find the eternal optimists insufferable. You know, OP, folks like you. Cal pooped rainbows and could do no wrong. Now Pope can’t either. And players, who are now being paid to play, can’t be criticized according to you. GTFO

 

[Ron Mehico]

The guy put together a team and coaching staff in 4 weeks - we’re literally ranked in the top 10 in late January. We play a really fun style of play, and the coach we would’ve had with the players we would’ve had are 1-6 in the same conference as us. What in gods name is there to be upset about? If you can’t enjoy this season then you and I have nothing in common from a life perspective.

 

[uk78]

It's so sad to see some of these posts. It's such short-term thinking by the negative nellies here. Prior to the game all positive about Pope. After, not so much. Personally, I thought he did a good half-time adjustment bringing the team back with a chance to win on the road. We were missing perhaps are second most important player on the team and in crunch time perhaps the most important player and still got it tied close to the end. If not for Butler we might have lost to UL. If not for Amari we would have lost a few other games. If anything I can be a little disappointed in Perry as in High School he seemed equal to Reed. Certainly, he is not having any similar impact. But the overall point is we have very good team but not at a championship level.

Bottom-line question for the negative folks. Your other option would be Cal still being here. His Arkansas team would have been the Kentucky team. You would have preferred that?

 

[chattanoogawildcat]

I swear man, I really hope we win Tuesday. We need a big Win and the board will be insufferable if not even though it’s another tough road game.

My remedy is to stay off this board. Pretty simple really.

 

[BBNinSC]

I think there’s a lot of realistic people coming forward and a few pessimists. But I don’t find them insufferable. Never have. I find the eternal optimists insufferable. You know, OP, folks like you. Cal pooped rainbows and could do no wrong. Now Pope can’t either. And players, who are now being paid to play, can’t be criticized according to you. GTFO

If your realism is being an asshole, then enjoy your misery. If you can’t understand optimism in adversity, then you’re just a weak person that only knows to complain during tough times.
That is the insufferable bunch, the whiners here after a loss.

 

[aikenite4uk]

I think they have a name for some of these posters...."Trolls."

 

[Terrapin_Station]

I’m optimistic through adversity - when it comes to real life adversity. This is a basketball forum. Some are going to gripe. Sometimes the gripes are legitimate. Some are going to bury their head in the sand and pretend everything’s fine. That’s never a legitimate thing to do. In real life or on basketball forums. So yeah, I find the “it’s all sunshine all the time” people are more insufferable.

 

[Aike]

Truth is that the team that won a shootout vs Florida and the team that lost a shootout vs. Alabama are pretty much the same team.

The team that almost blew it but held on at MSU is the same team that fought back but then blew it at the end at Vandy.

We are playing a little more poorly than we were. We’re also banged up quite a bit.

SEC games are going to be difficult to win. We all knew that going in. Auburn is playing incredibly high level basketball. They have still had 3 SEC games come down to 1 possession.

We aren’t as good as Auburn. Might not be as good as Alabama or Tennessee. Those three will probably all be 1 or 2 seeds.

Need to get healthy, first and foremost. Hopefully steal a game or two we weren’t expecting, and not give any away. Everything we wanted to do this season is still in front of us to do.

 

[Bkocats]

Pope knew what he had to start which is why he emphasized offense from the beginning
Yes we need to be better defensively…but this team just doesn’t have it. And that’s ok given the circumstances
Expecting a final four this year was unrealistic folks. Absolutely hope for it..and we could still be surprised. But to expect it this first year…
I strongly believe our future is bright. This season is the foundation for long term.
We’ve already exceeded expectations..and I agree .500 in confidence play is nothing to but upset about. This isn’t your parents/grandparents SEC.

 

[Big BlueBeard]

I’d take 9-9 in the SEC right now! I’d take that and run.

 

[L.O.D.]

Not doom and gloom to say any of that. It's being realistic. We looked better than we were early due to experience. Teams have figured us out n we have no plan B. Teams crowd the outside n dare us to get 2s where we struggle.

This is what it is a rag tag team of veterans that was thrown together a few months ago. It's doing better than I thought it would n were a fun team that can win games but not a true contender.. there's still a few big games we will win this year but just not there yet imo .

 

[Eagles_Ball]

The guy put together a team and coaching staff in 4 weeks - we’re literally ranked in the top 10 in late January. We play a really fun style of play, and the coach we would’ve had with the players we would’ve had are 1-6 in the same conference as us. What in gods name is there to be upset about? If you can’t enjoy this season then you and I have nothing in common from a life perspective.

Can I be both happy the last coach and system are gone and somewhat not happy with the current coach and system? The two aren’t mutually exclusive. Disclaimer…I am enjoying this season and I love watching this team play. They also frustrate the hell out of me and I constantly wonder if Pope really can have great success as the HC of the Cats. I think there’s basically zero chance he’s going to see Pitino/pre-covid Cal success. I also don’t think he’ll be Eddie or BCG level a mess. He’s probably Tubby w/o the benefit of Pitino gift wrapping him a title and Joe B. I just, in the end, wonder if it will be enough.

 

[Ron Mehico]

Can I be both happy the last coach and system are gone and somewhat not happy with the current coach and system?

You can walk around with your thumb up your butt and a banana peel on your head for all I care. Opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one. You enjoy not being happy, Ill enjoy being happy, and we can all move on with our day 😀

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

I swear man, I really hope we win Tuesday. We need a big Win and the board will be insufferable if not even though it’s another tough road game.

I wouldn’t go into Tuesday with any expectations at all man.

 

[jwphelps]

So predictable. This type of response is why I started that post about the board melting down if Ark were to upset us.

“8-10 is our likely record”
“9-9 is our ceiling”
“Auburn and UT will destroy us”
“Pope isn’t ready for this job”
and more incredibly negative things I’ve read on here.

We all knew the SEC would be a battlefield this year. The worst SEC team won’t qualify for it, but if did could do some damage in the NIT.
Sure injuries happen to many teams. Do I think we lost because of injuries? No. We lost because of TO’s plain and simple! But injuries didn’t help, maybe guys are a little looser with the ball when tired or banged up.

But let’s not forget the same team that beat us yesterday, beat that UT team whom many of you think will “destroy us” just 1 week ago. UT also got “smoked” at Home by 30 by that Florida team we beat.
And that Auburn team that will destroy us in 5 weeks in Rupp, yet they barely survived at SEC worst USC down most of the game taking the lead with 4 seconds to go. And then they also barely survived at Georgia by 2. But Auburn is very good, finds a way to win.

And those of you who are talking shit about any of our players are pond scum!!
It’s fine to say Chandler is not ready. But to say he should transfer to BYU is ignorant. We knew he would need time to dust off his skills after not playing for 2 years. It’s fine to say we need Williams to play better, but to call him a “pussy” is being one yourself. He has showed up big in some games, just not vs Vandy, but he is still our best rebounder and rim protector and we need him to win.

I liked what we got from Almonor and Noah. Perry struggled. Oweh was a beast. Garrison struggled. Brea struggled. Robinson the past 3/4 games is now making shots when he is squared up and not shooting them off a curl. I think Butler is trying to put too much on his shoulders, like Robinson did earlier, and he’s just not that guy. So yeah, we need more than 3-4 guys playing well to win. But we should get more than that most games.

Some of those doom and gloomers are not true UK fans. But injuries did hurt, this team needs Carr, and you are right turnovers killed UK against Vandy and they were mostly unforced TO's

 

[Rockfly78]

I think they have a name for some of these posters...."Trolls."

“Troll” is really overused. I think a lot of people are just ruled by their emotions. This board as well as social media is just an outlet to regurgitate their bleakest feelings. It’s like dark therapy

In March 95% of them will have UK to the final 4 in their office bracket.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Truth is that the team that won a shootout vs Florida and the team that lost a shootout vs. Alabama are pretty much the same team.

The team that almost blew it but held on at MSU is the same team that fought back but then blew it at the end at Vandy.

We are playing a little more poorly than we were. We’re also banged up quite a bit.

SEC games are going to be difficult to win. We all knew that going in. Auburn is playing incredibly high level basketball. They have still had 3 SEC games come down to 1 possession.

We aren’t as good as Auburn. Might not be as good as Alabama or Tennessee. Those three will probably all be 1 or 2 seeds.

Need to get healthy, first and foremost. Hopefully steal a game or two we weren’t expecting, and not give any away. Everything we wanted to do this season is still in front of us to do.

The issue is Kentucky will probably never be healthy. Carr is gonna be hurting for the rest of the year, and Krisa is gonna have to rush to get back

 

[bucsrule8872]

Predicting a 8-10 or 9-9 record in the SEC is not doom and gloom.

It’s Year One. The SEC this year is quite possibly the best conference EVER top to bottom.

This team was put together from scratch in just a couple of months time.

We’ve had a bunch of injuries recently. Kriisa is out. Carr was playing hurt and is now out. Butler is playing hurt.

We are ahead of schedule. This team should not have some of the wins we have had.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

I’m optimistic through adversity - when it comes to real life adversity. This is a basketball forum. Some are going to gripe. Sometimes the gripes are legitimate. Some are going to bury their head in the sand and pretend everything’s fine. That’s never a legitimate thing to do. In real life or on basketball forums. So yeah, I find the “it’s all sunshine all the time” people are more insufferable.

If you haven't seen slot of sunshine this year you are blind, give me a address and Ill send you a dog.

 

[TheDude73]

Pope is actually doing some crazy things with these injuries to Kerr and now Carr. Vandy isn't a team to sneeze at - they beat UT and as we saw are pretty solid with running an offense much like ours, but better defense and better handles. We barely lost to them without Car and using Noah. If it weren't for 2-3 late turnovers and that one instance of bad ref no-calls (the Williams tackle and the 4-step travel kick out for the 3), we'd have won that game.

Now that he knows first hand that the SEC is a bruiser's league, I suspect next year he'll bring in some big banging dudes from the portal.

 

[Aike]

The issue is Kentucky will probably never be healthy. Carr is gonna be hurting for the rest of the year, and Krisa is gonna have to rush to get back

I don’t have a crystal ball

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Predicting a 8-10 or 9-9 record in the SEC is not doom and gloom.

It’s Year One. The SEC this year is quite possibly the best conference EVER top to bottom.

This team was put together from scratch in just a couple of months time.

We’ve had a bunch of injuries recently. Kriisa is out. Carr was playing hurt and is now out. Butler is playing hurt.

We are ahead of schedule. This team should not have some of the wins we have had.

I think this is all fair. I predicted 23 and 8 but also acknowledge that the team had 0 margin for error with injuries. As you said, we may lose more than 8 n sec regular season alone.

This isn't 2015 without Poy or 1997 without DA where the rest of the team can overcome the loss to make a deep run. We need Carr and Butler healthy for March if we want to maximize post season success.

The problem is in this sec that's gonna mean a loss to almost every team (sitting carr and butler). It's a bad catch 22 to be in but it is what it is.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

You can walk around with your thumb up your butt and a banana peel on your head for all I care. Opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one. You enjoy not being happy, Ill enjoy being happy, and we can all move on with our day 😀

I feel like you don’t read well. 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[JFCats22]

Yeah I don't really see this as doom and gloom. This is actually more realistic then most of the times on this board where it's one extreme or the other.

To me it's more about perception.

Is it oh ok 9-9.......very good in a tough conference with a first year coach.

Or does one look at it like omg we are .500 in the SEC we are complete crap.

It should be the first one

Not if that puts us in 9th or 10th place (as we are now). There is no excuse no matter what has happened at UK and how good the conference is for UK to finish that low. The fact people on here seem to be fine with it amazes me.

 

[catben]

Most of us would make a horrible team. We get far too ecstatic over an individual win and project that as a national banner. We get far too low over losses and nitpick them to the point of distraction.
And most of us said we had little to no big expectations going in to this season.
Now the sky is falling.
I think we all should readjust our ideas about what we expect and what we can do.

Coach Pope HIMSELF stated when he arrived and has NUMEROUS times since that the BBN has EVERY right to critique his job performance and hold him accountable for EVERY loss!!! He said the standard here is WINNING championships!!!

So, when the HC has that expectation and will hold HIMSELF to the HIGHEST standard, it is totally realistic for the fan base to be critical when we lose, especially the way we did yesterday.

Now, that being said, I am ELATED at where this program is right now even after the losses. Coach Pope threw this team together in less than 2 months and has beaten some ELITE teams and WILL beat some more. When he gets the TOP talent in here we'll see MORE success!!! His style of play is fun and exciting to play in and that will draw the ELITE players he needs to win consistently at UK.

Losing SUCKS!!! Coach Pope has stated how much he HATES it!!!! But I'm going to give him a little GRACE this season because I am confident that it is going to get BETTER. And this season isn't over yet!!!

Let's beat the STINKY VOLS!!!!

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

Not if that puts us in 9th or 10th place (as we are now). There is no excuse no matter what has happened at UK and how good the conference is for UK to finish that low. The fact people on here seem to be fine with it amazes me.

In an uncertain and ever changing universe it is strangely comforting to know we can count on you to stay the same. Your bullshit never changes.

 

[UKAlum84]

Pope's a good coach. You can't coach your way if the players aren't willing to play well together....Im not doom and gloom until selection sunday. Give us a good seed and lord don't give us an opponent like oakland with some guy who makes 3's all day.

 

[JFCats22]

In an uncertain and ever changing universe it is strangely comforting to know we can count on you to stay the same. Your bullshit never changes.

Cool, good to know you are fine with mediocrity. That’s the definition of a loser. Congrats!

 

[ThunderCat98]

Not if that puts us in 9th or 10th place (as we are now). There is no excuse no matter what has happened at UK and how good the conference is for UK to finish that low. The fact people on here seem to be fine with it amazes me.

Such a bullshit take. By every available measure, we've overachieved this season with a hastily-assembled, cobbled-together squad. Fact is, we simply aren't consistent. Some of these guys simply haven't performed at a high level game in and game out. There's a reason none of them have stayed in one place for terribly long, or why they weren't all-stars in their previous stops. Pope assembled a group of talented role-players that have been competitive in nearly every game, which is the best we could have hoped for in light of the situation we were in coming off last seasons debacle and the coaching change. Some of you need to stop being such entitled, whiny bitches and support the team.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Is it "doom and gloom" to suggest that we go 9-9 in the SEC and earn a 4 or 5 seed?

This is an insanely difficult conference with five or six legit Final Four contenders.

Where's the shame in winning 9 games in the hardest league in all of sports?

You predicted 11 wins. Maybe that happens, but I just don't think it's likely. That's not a knock on Pope. It's the reality of his first year coming in the SEC's most difficult season in history.

There’s two 1 seeds, two 2 seeds and two 3 seeds currently in this conference. And we are a 3 right now. So that’s basically 6 or the top 12 teams. That’s Auburn, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, TAMU and Kentucky. They’re predicting 13-16 teams to make the field.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Coach Pope HIMSELF stated when he arrived and has NUMEROUS times since that the BBN has EVERY right to critique his job performance and hold him accountable for EVERY loss!!! He said the standard here is WINNING championships!!!

So, when the HC has that expectation and will hold HIMSELF to the HIGHEST standard, it is totally realistic for the fan base to be critical when we lose, especially the way we did yesterday.

Now, that being said, I am ELATED at where this program is right now even after the losses. Coach Pope threw this team together in less than 2 months and has beaten some ELITE teams and WILL beat some more. When he gets the TOP talent in here we'll see MORE success!!! His style of play is fun and exciting to play in and that will draw the ELITE players he needs to win consistently at UK.

Losing SUCKS!!! Coach Pope has stated how much he HATES it!!!! But I'm going to give him a little GRACE this season because I am confident that it is going to get BETTER. And this season isn't over yet!!!

Let's beat the STINKY VOLS!!!!

It’s fine to critique. However, it’s quite another to see some BS that’s posted here. It’s absolutely crazy and downright pathetic sometimes. Everyone knew it was gonna be extremely difficult to win on the road this season in SEC.

We probably win yesterday if not for the 2/3 late turnovers. Not to mention, our starting 4 man didn’t even play. This same Vanderbilt team beat Tennessee last week. The final score wasn’t indicative of how Vanderbilt controlled that game.

 

[billoliver40]

Not if that puts us in 9th or 10th place (as we are now). There is no excuse no matter what has happened at UK and how good the conference is for UK to finish that low. The fact people on here seem to be fine with it amazes me.

Do you have ANY idea what kind of drivel you typed or are you either drunk or off your meds??
So in your words there is no excuse even though UK has two major injuries to two major players and are going up literally every night against a top 15 team. Even if a coach DID leave and every single player left.
Sometimes you're pretty entertaining man...and pretty knowledgeable. This kind of stuff makes you look idiotic.

 

[runt#69]

I swear man, I really hope we win Tuesday. We need a big Win and the board will be insufferable if not even though it’s another tough road game.

I've a feeling that it being a big RIVALY game, a home game for us, and the fact UT was #1 for awhile this year, we're going to give them an all out war and effort will be there, much like Vandy did in beating UT and us, those two games are Vandy's biggest games every single season.

we're going to get up for that game and give them hell. If our team can't, then UGH. Just UGH.

I actually EXPECT us to win this game, but I expect Kentucky to win every game we play.

I like our chances. truly so.

 

[mcnicKY91]

My concern, and I posted this in another thread, is Pope's inability to consistently have this team ready to go in the first half.

We all saw it again yesterday, where UK lacked energy and intensity, and played incredibly lazy. This has been a common theme throughout the year.

I wasn't expecting this to be an issue with a veteran team, yet here we are. Imagine if UK would have played the first half with the intensity that they did in the second half. Would have been an easy double digit win.

That 100% falls at the coach's feet. Every time. This is a red flag to me regarding Pope, as playing with the appropriate amount of energy and intensity has nothing to do with talent or athleticism.