The intention with which Pope built the roster seems to be on point. He may have failed to get the right players or fit of players, but history suggests that the most important component of building a program capable of being in the hunt for a title year-in-and-year-out is having a foundation of returning players. Whether stars, key role players, or solid bench depth, returning players – especially if they are leaders and provide your best player - are key. Pope and most other CBB coaches and commentators understand the data. Actually being able to pull it off by getting the right players and mix is, of course, much harder.
But it does look like Pope was trying to put this roster construction model in place with 2 Seniors, 4 Juniors, 4 Sophomores, and 4 Freshmen (it would have been 5 freshmen if Lewis hadn’t bailed). Just like freshmen, the best from transfers often comes in the 2nd year (perhaps owing to familiarity and comfortability with the coach, system, points of emphasis, their role, and even the place); and UK’s roster is set up for a mass of returning players next season.
I think UK could probably lose a few of those players and pick up a couple of top players and be a contender next season. However, that still doesn’t answer the question of whether Pope is the guy that can make it all work. He has to get those top players - and I’m not talking about OAD freshmen, although I think an OAD freshman being a key component is ok if he is your 2nd or 3rd best player.
