Mark Pope continues to work the transfer portal as he looks to put the finishing touches on his 2025-26 roster. continues to work the transfer portal as he looks to put the finishing touches on his 2025-26 roster.
As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, coaches across the nation are working tirelessly to shape their rosters, and few are as focused on the intricacies of roster construction as Mark Pope. The head coach of the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars has long been known for his ability to find talent in the most unexpected places, particularly through the transfer portal. With his sights set on continuing BYU’s competitive legacy in the West Coast Conference (WCC) and beyond, Pope is once again making significant moves in the transfer portal to solidify the Cougars’ lineup for the upcoming season.
A New Era at BYU
Mark Pope, who took the reins of the BYU men’s basketball program in 2019, has quickly made his mark on the Cougars. Known for his high-energy coaching style and emphasis on player development, Pope has established a reputation as one of the most innovative and effective coaches in college basketball. Under his leadership, BYU has consistently remained competitive in the WCC, securing numerous NCAA tournament berths and maintaining a high standard of play.
Pope’s background as a former player, particularly his time at Kentucky under legendary coach Rick Pitino, has influenced his approach to coaching. His ability to adapt, develop players, and bring in talent from a variety of sources, including the transfer portal, has allowed BYU to remain relevant in the highly competitive college basketball landscape. Pope’s success in attracting high-level transfers is evident in the way he’s built his teams, creating a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers.
The Transfer Portal: A New Era in Roster Building
In recent years, the transfer portal has become a major factor in college basketball recruitment. With the NCAA’s rule changes allowing players to transfer without sitting out a year, the transfer portal has exploded in popularity. For coaches like Mark Pope, this change has been both a challenge and an opportunity.
The transfer portal provides coaches with a unique opportunity to quickly address gaps in their roster and add experienced players who can contribute immediately. Instead of waiting for high school recruits to develop over the course of several seasons, Pope can bring in players who have already proven themselves at the college level. This approach has allowed him to build competitive teams more quickly and efficiently, while also giving players a chance to join a program with established coaching and development systems.
Mark Pope has embraced this trend, and his use of the transfer portal has been one of the cornerstones of his recruiting strategy at BYU. Whether it’s a seasoned scorer, a lockdown defender, or a versatile forward, Pope has shown a keen eye for talent in the portal. He understands that success in the modern era of college basketball often depends on blending experienced transfers with homegrown talent, and he’s become adept at navigating this complex process.
Key Additions Through the Transfer Portal
As Pope continues to build his roster for the 2025-26 season, several key additions from the transfer portal are already making waves. While the complete roster is still being finalized, BYU fans are eager to see how these new players will fit into Pope’s system.
1. The Point Guard Solution
One of the most pressing needs for BYU heading into the 2025-26 season was a reliable point guard. In the modern game, the point guard position is the quarterback of the offense, responsible for setting up plays, controlling tempo, and distributing the ball to the right spots. Pope wasted no time addressing this need, targeting experienced floor generals from the transfer portal.
BYU’s new point guard is expected to bring a mix of playmaking ability and leadership. A player who excels at controlling the pace of the game, creating opportunities for teammates, and taking on the responsibility of scoring when needed, this point guard will be asked to take on a significant role in Pope’s offense. His ability to distribute the ball and make intelligent decisions will be crucial for the Cougars’ success.
This new addition should also benefit from BYU’s focus on player development. Pope’s coaching staff has a strong track record of improving the skills of ball handlers, and the Cougars’ new point guard will be expected to grow into a key leader for the team.
2. Versatile Scorers to Bolster the Offense
In addition to finding a solution at point guard, Pope has also sought to add versatile scorers to the roster. These players, capable of creating their own shot, stretching the floor with their shooting range, and contributing in a variety of ways, will be integral to BYU’s offensive schemes. Pope has long emphasized the importance of spacing the floor, moving the ball quickly, and getting the best shot possible. The addition of experienced scorers will allow the Cougars to execute their offensive sets more effectively and provide additional threats on the court.
One key acquisition in this area is a shooting guard who has proven himself as a consistent scorer at the collegiate level. Known for his ability to knock down shots from deep, as well as his ability to drive to the basket and finish in traffic, this player will add a new dimension to BYU’s offense. His ability to stretch the floor and provide scoring off the ball will help to relieve pressure from other players and create more opportunities for the entire team.
Additionally, the scoring depth added by these transfers will help take pressure off returning players, allowing BYU to have a more balanced offensive attack. Pope has always valued team-oriented basketball, and these new additions will help further that philosophy.
3. Defensive Standouts
While offense often garners the most attention, Pope has always placed a significant emphasis on defense. His teams are known for their aggressive, hard-nosed defense, and the 2025-26 roster will be no different. To bolster BYU’s defensive schemes, Pope has targeted transfers with a strong defensive mindset.
The Cougars’ new defensive standout is a forward who excels at guarding multiple positions. His length, athleticism, and ability to disrupt passing lanes will provide a much-needed boost to BYU’s defensive efforts. In addition to his individual defense, this player’s ability to contribute in team defense—helping on ball screens, contesting shots, and securing rebounds—will be invaluable for Pope’s defensive schemes.
With the Cougars already possessing several solid defenders, the addition of this player will give BYU the ability to switch more effectively on defense and guard against some of the top offensive threats in the WCC. Pope has built his program around defensive toughness, and this transfer will only enhance that reputation.
The Strategy Behind Pope’s Portal Moves
Mark Pope’s approach to using the transfer portal is methodical and strategic. Rather than relying solely on high school recruits, Pope takes a balanced approach that combines experienced transfers with promising incoming freshmen. This allows BYU to remain competitive while also providing opportunities for young players to develop under the guidance of experienced teammates.
Another key part of Pope’s strategy is his ability to find players who fit within his system. The transfer portal is filled with talent, but not all players are suited for every program. Pope has shown an uncanny ability to identify players who will excel in his up-tempo offense and aggressive defense. He looks for players who have a high basketball IQ, are willing to work hard, and fit into the culture he’s building at BYU.
Pope’s relationships with high school coaches, AAU programs, and other college coaches have also played a role in his success with the transfer portal. These relationships allow him to gain insight into players’ personalities, work ethic, and character, which are just as important as on-court talent when it comes to building a successful team.
Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Season
As Mark Pope continues to shape his 2025-26 roster, BYU fans can expect another exciting season of Cougar basketball. With a mix of experienced transfers and talented returners, the Cougars will be a team to watch in the WCC and on the national stage. Pope’s use of the transfer portal has allowed BYU to quickly address areas of need and build a roster that is capable of competing with the best teams in the country.
While it’s still too early to predict exactly how the season will unfold, one thing is certain: Mark Pope will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that BYU remains competitive and relevant in college basketball. Whether it’s through the transfer portal or traditional recruiting, Pope is committed to building a program that can contend for championships and develop players who are ready for the next level.
For now, fans can look forward to the unveiling of the full 2025-26 roster and the excitement that comes with it. As the season nears, the transfer portal will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of college basketball, and Mark Pope will undoubtedly be one of the most effective and strategic coaches navigating this new landscape.
