Basically Pope is connecting fine, I don’t think that is the problem. Most players that have played for him seem to like him. Imagine being a college player and you have two scenarios.
A. Good money, coach with no record of winning, coach with no NBA ties or players, Mark Fox, national TV blowouts, questionable dependence on analytics rather than gut, know substitution patterns and limited minutes. Zoom offense. JMI
B. A little less money with and record of success, even a conference tournament final, guaranteed on minutes and position. No JMI,
It would be a decision for sure.