Is Pope too easy-going....?

[Blueathletics]

And I don't mean when it comes to getting jobbed by the refs...but just in general, his coaching style

He in no way mirrors his own coach and mentor, Pitino....no fire on the sidelines, zero animation, etc...The players usually reflect in their play the personality of the coach

Probably way too early to judge but just throwing out there to see what y'all thought...?

 

[anon1751545683]

No

 

[BigBubDaBiz]

Love Pope, great ambassador for this program. But there is zero question that he is learning on the job a bit here at Kentucky. Nothing wrong with it, just something we all need to keep in mind. He is far from a seasoned coach at this point but I think there is more positive than negative that can come from that. We will be fine, just need to recruit some tougher minded athletes going forward. The Robinson type players need to be in the Ryan Harrow basketball league. Overachieving SO FAR in year one in my eyes.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Emotions don't mean better coaching. It's how he is in practice that really matters. He does need to get more involved with refs.

 

[Blueathletics]

No

Another poster lamenting Robinson having talent but no effort...that's

Emotions don't mean better coaching. It's how he is in practice that really matters. He does need to get more involved with refs.

True but lack of emotion can transfer to the play of your team....and that's what I see at the moment....no fight at all

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Another poster lamenting Robinson having talent but no effort...that's

True but lack of emotion can transfer to the play of your team....and that's what I see at the moment....no fight at all

I can't say no fight at all. I've seen guys give tons of effort. These guys are not really aware of how it is playing on the road with Kentucky across your chest.

Coach has to adjust. You have to go at them the same way. This will not go away. Teams and coaches see it working.

 

[Coach777]

And I don't mean when it comes to getting jobbed by the refs...but just in general, his coaching style

He in no way mirrors his own coach and mentor, Pitino....no fire on the sidelines, zero animation, etc...The players usually reflect in their play the personality of the coach

Probably way too early to judge but just throwing out there to see what y'all thought...?

Yes way too early to pass judgement on Pope. If we see the same problems next year then that may be a reason to be concerned. Pope is smart and wants to hang banners and hates losing. That enough for me not to be worried. Kentucky is in good hands.

 

[BlueBomb]

And I don't mean when it comes to getting jobbed by the refs...but just in general, his coaching style

He in no way mirrors his own coach and mentor, Pitino....no fire on the sidelines, zero animation, etc...The players usually reflect in their play the personality of the coach

Probably way too early to judge but just throwing out there to see what y'all thought...?

I think this is worthy dialogue. Good fodder for a message board.

Of all the good/great coaches that come immediately to mind, they were all fiery on the sidelines. Some more than others, of course.

I briefly looked at the "Most Wins" list and most all were animated on the sidelines. Denny Crum and Lute Olson were two that weren't overly animated on the sidelines, but could definitely get that way from time to time.

 

[Catlogic15]

Pope is two years older than Cal was when he took the job. A little late to be “learning on the job”.

 

[mdupchurch]

I think this is worthy dialogue. Good fodder for a message board.

Of all the good/great coaches that come immediately to mind, they were all fiery on the sidelines. Some more than others, of course.

I briefly looked at the "Most Wins" list and most all were animated on the sidelines. Denny Crum and Lute Olson were two that weren't overly animated on the sidelines, but could definitely get that way from time to time.

He went to the pro's as a youngster, but Brad Stevens was never overly animated on the sidelines and was quite successful. We'll see what kind of success he has at Michigan long term, but Dusty May is pretty similar.

 

[megablue]

Pope’s coaching style does not demonstrate his passion for the game and the job. He’s as far from Calipari in that regard as you can get. Not a criticism, just an obvious observation.

 

[ImTheVillageIdiot]

And I don't mean when it comes to getting jobbed by the refs...but just in general, his coaching style

He in no way mirrors his own coach and mentor, Pitino....no fire on the sidelines, zero animation, etc...The players usually reflect in their play the personality of the coach

Probably way too early to judge but just throwing out there to see what y'all thought...?

We have no way to know. We don’t know what he’s like behind closed doors. I’d be surprised if he’s Bob Knight though lol

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Pope is two years older than Cal was when he took the job. A little late to be “learning on the job”.

It is what it is. He has the least experience and by far the least ncaa tournament success of any coach between Cal, Tubby and Pitino. Even drunk coach G had a sweet 16 and 2nd round appearance before his awful UK hire.

Pope still has a lot to learn so it is on the job. He's won 3 top 10 games already with a team he had to build this spring. He's got room for improvement but a solid to good start overall.