BYU head coach Mark Pope is gearing up for what he calls an “epic adventure” as his team faces off against Gonzaga, led by his longtime friend and coaching counterpart, Mark Few. The highly anticipated matchup between the Cougars and the seventh-ranked Bulldogs promises to be a thrilling contest, but for Pope, it carries an extra layer of significance due to his friendship with Few, a fellow mentor in the college basketball world.
Pope and Few have shared a bond for years, both as coaches and friends. Pope, who played under Few during his time at Gonzaga, has always admired Few’s coaching style and the success he has built with the Bulldogs. “Mark Few is not only a great coach but also one of the best people I know,” Pope said. “We’ve spent a lot of time together, and I have nothing but respect for him. But once the ball is tipped, it’s all business. We both want to win.”
As the Cougars prepare for the challenge of taking on one of the nation’s top teams, Pope is focused on how to handle Gonzaga’s fast-paced offense and stellar defense. “It’s going to be a huge test for us, no question about it,” Pope explained. “But that’s why we’re here. We’re excited about this opportunity. It’s going to be an epic adventure, and we’ll be ready for it.”
Despite the strong friendship between the two coaches, Pope knows that in the heat of the game, there will be no time for pleasantries. Both teams will be looking to make a statement, and the rivalry on the court will take center stage. For Pope, it’s another opportunity to prove BYU belongs in the upper echelons of college basketball.
