Early take on the Pope era

[yoshukai]

I think he is also trying to not upset guys who he thinks (my speculation) are worried about playing time. It's going to cost us, IMO.

I don’t believe that for a second.

 

[Someguywhodoesntlikeyou]

Asshole or not, best damn coach this university has seen in the past 50 years and probably the next 50.

He condoned using professional whores to entice recruits and their fathers.

Not some nubile coeds like in He Got Game but women who sell their bodies to men as a job.

I have standards sir.

 

[KFuqua]

I just don’t get the Pitino love. He was good when he was here but after that proved to be a horrible person. I guess time heals old wounds but Rick Pitino is still an asshole, refurbished in his old age or not.

I'm with you! I just don't get it at all. As I've said many times, they need to keep him as far away from Kentucky as they can. He's just a garbage person and it amazes me how some people carry on about him.

 

[Someguywhodoesntlikeyou]

Pitino didn’t start having low character and low morals when he got to Louisville. Things just got covered up better during his time in Lexington.

Rick Pitino cares about three things

1. Rick Pitino

2. What can you do for Rick Pitino

3. What have you done for Rick Pitino.

 

[Cats192]

Public relations and program building: A

Player recruitment: Mark Pope started from scratch with very little time to build the team. He put together a team that was top 10 in the country until injuries knocked us down. A

In game coaching/scheme: A+. He's had some insane wins year 1. He made huge adjustments multiple times.

Player development: I don't think you can really "grade" this over 4 months. Player development happens over years. I think since the start of the season:

Lamont Bulter is a better player than he was at SDSU.
Amari Williams improved immensely.
Oweh is far better than he was at Oklahoma.
Perry has gotten better.
Noah has gotten better.
Chandler has gotten better.

I don't know how you look at this team, 4 months in, and say "Pope isn't doing a good job of developing them."

 

[MrHotDice]

He condoned using professional whores to entice recruits and their fathers.

Not some nubile coeds like in He Got Game but women who sell their bodies to men as a job.

I have standards sir.

How else could you recruit anyone to play and live in Louisville.😎

 

[MegaBlue05]

I disagree on the development. I believe the freshman have developed better than expected, and seniors and 5th year guys just are what they are. There’s usually not a ton of development going on with 23 year olds.

My only concerns are recruiting and defensive identity. I like the system and style we play on offense, but our defense seems passive, doesn’t apply much pressure and we don’t rotate or close out on shooters very well.

 

[CatFanInIlliniLand]

I like Pope and his Passion. His coaching will continue to grow.

We needed to close the deal on a Chaz Lanier or one more stud. If this team was healthy, he would still have over performed majorly. We need to get healthy enough to win 2 games in March.