Following a disappointing loss that exposed key weaknesses in BYU’s game, head coach Mark Pope wasted no time addressing the issues that led to the setback. In his post-game press conference, Pope was candid about what went wrong and laid out a clear vision for how the team will improve moving forward.
“This one hurt,” Pope admitted. “We came in prepared, but we didn’t execute at the level we needed to. That’s on all of us—players, coaches, and myself included. But the best thing we can do now is learn from it and get better.”
Pope pointed to three major areas of concern that contributed to BYU’s struggles:
- Defensive Breakdown – “We let them get too many easy looks, especially in transition. Our rotations weren’t sharp, and that cost us,” Pope noted. Opponents took advantage of slow defensive reactions, exposing gaps that led to high-percentage shots.
- Lack of Offensive Rhythm – The Cougars struggled to find consistency on the offensive end, with poor shot selection and missed opportunities at the rim. “We weren’t patient enough. We have to trust the offense, move the ball, and get the best shot possible,” Pope emphasized.
- Energy and Effort – “We lost some of the fight in key moments,” Pope admitted. “We have to bring intensity for 40 minutes, not just in spurts.”
The Plan for Immediate Improvement
Despite the tough loss, Pope remains confident that BYU can correct these issues and bounce back stronger. He outlined a three-step plan for immediate improvement:
- Emphasizing Defense in Practice – “We’re going back to basics. Our defensive rotations, communication, and transition defense have to be airtight,” Pope said. Expect a renewed focus on defensive fundamentals in upcoming practices.
- Better Shot Selection and Ball Movement – Pope stressed the importance of trusting the offense and avoiding forced shots. “We have great shooters. We just need to create better looks and let the game come to us,” he said.
- Bringing the Fight Every Game – “No more excuses,” Pope declared. “We are going to be the hardest-working team on the floor every single night. That starts with our mindset.”
With the season far from over, Pope is determined to use this setback as a learning experience rather than a defining moment. “We have the talent, the coaching, and the support to turn this around,” Pope said. “The only question is—how bad do we want it?”
BYU fans can expect a rejuvenated, focused team in the next outing, as Pope and his players look to prove that they’ve learned from their mistakes and are ready to get back to winning basketball.
