As Mark Pope prepares for his first season in the Big 12, two veteran coaches, Rodney Terry of Texas and Porter Moser of Oklahoma, have shared their insights and expectations for Pope’s transition into the highly competitive conference. Having coached against Pope and observed his style from up close, Terry and Moser believe that he has the potential to thrive in the Big 12, but they also acknowledge the unique challenges that await him.
Mark Pope, formerly the head coach at BYU, will lead the Cougars into their inaugural season in the Big 12, a league known for its physicality, depth, and intense competition. The Big 12 has long been regarded as one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, with teams regularly competing for national championships. For Pope, the challenge is to adjust to the heightened level of competition while maintaining the culture and style that made his tenure at BYU successful.
Rodney Terry, who took over as head coach at Texas and guided the Longhorns to significant success, has seen firsthand what it takes to compete at the top of the Big 12. He is confident that Pope’s coaching acumen and adaptability will serve him well in the new conference. “Mark Pope is a great basketball mind,” Terry remarked. “He’s always been a strategic thinker and someone who knows how to get the best out of his players. I have no doubt he’ll be able to adjust to the style of play in the Big 12.”
Terry highlighted Pope’s ability to develop versatile players as a strength that could be particularly valuable in the Big 12. “What stood out to me about Mark’s teams at BYU was how well-rounded they were,” Terry explained. “He does a great job of balancing inside and outside play, and that’s going to be key in the Big 12 where you face different styles every night. His teams have always been disciplined, and I think that will translate well.”
Porter Moser, who has been at the helm of Oklahoma since 2021, has also faced Pope’s BYU squads in non-conference matchups and knows what he brings to the table. Moser acknowledged that transitioning into the Big 12 can be daunting, but he believes Pope is well-equipped for the challenge. “The Big 12 is a different animal—it’s a grind every single night,” Moser noted. “But Mark is a competitor, and he has that mentality that’s needed in this league. He’s been successful everywhere he’s been, and I think he’ll find a way to make BYU competitive here.”
Moser emphasized that one of the biggest adjustments for Pope will be navigating the depth of the conference. “In the Big 12, there’s no such thing as an easy game,” Moser said. “You’re playing ranked teams, tournament-level teams, week in and week out. It’s not just about having a good game plan, but about keeping your team ready for those battles over the course of a long season. Mark has shown that he can motivate his players, and I think that’s going to be a big part of what he needs to do in this league.”
Both Terry and Moser highlighted the importance of recruiting in the Big 12, given the level of talent throughout the conference. They believe Pope’s ability to attract skilled players to BYU will be crucial in maintaining competitiveness. “Recruiting is everything in the Big 12, and Mark knows that,” Terry said. “He’s already shown he can bring in players who fit his system, and now it’s about continuing to do that against the top programs in the country.”
Moser echoed this sentiment, adding, “It’s all about building a roster that can handle the grind of Big 12 play. Mark has shown he can identify talent and develop it, and if he can continue to do that, I think BYU will be a tough matchup for anyone.”
As the season approaches, there is a sense of anticipation surrounding how Pope will adapt to the rigors of the Big 12. Both Terry and Moser believe that his experience, coaching style, and competitive drive will allow him to find success, even in the face of formidable opposition. They recognize that the transition will come with its fair share of challenges, but they expect Pope to rise to the occasion.
With insights from two respected coaches in the league, it’s clear that there is a mutual respect for what Pope brings to the table. While the journey into the Big 12 may be uncharted territory for him and BYU, Terry and Moser’s confidence in Pope’s abilities suggests that the Cougars could be a team to watch as they navigate their new conference home. For fans and analysts alike, the arrival of Mark Pope and BYU in the Big 12 adds another intriguing storyline to a conference already rich with talent and tradition.