Garrett Tucker:
Future150 Southeast Analyst. Covering high school basketball across the Southeast.
Los Angeles, CA (Future150) -- With July finally here, rising seniors only have a few more weeks to showcase their talents to college coaches around the country. It may not be an important period for some, but for others, it is vital.
Austin Pope, a 2013 wing man out of Rise Academy, is looking to have an impressive evaluation period with his Double Pump Elite squad; Mamadou Ndiaye and Elijah Brown, the son of Lakers’ coach Mike Brown, are also a part of the squad.
“I have to have a big July,” Pope said in a recent interview.
The 6-foot-6 wing currently holds offers from Oregon, Boise State, New Mexico, and Long Beach State, but tons of others are showing interest.
“Washington State, USC, Colorado, UNLV, San Diego State, Rice, UTEP, and Gonzaga are all interested,” he explained. “I feel like Memphis and Texas could offer in July, too.”
The majority of these schools (and others) will follow Pope over the next few weeks; Pope’s first stop with Double Pump begins in Indianapolis this weekend.
Over the past few years, Pope has transitioned from position to position. At his size and with his skills, many have considered him a combo guard. However, it looks like he may continue to grow in height. He is prepared to show himself as more of a 2 and 3 in July, too.
Nevertheless, his strengths relate back to his point guard instinct.
“I would say setting my teammates up for better opportunities is one of my main strengths. I am also a good slasher, and I can get to the basket.”
Pope is often compared to a pair of other tall guards that have had excellent college careers.
“I get compared to John Wall and Tony Wroten because they are bigger guys that run up-tempo,” he said.
Hopefully after a successful July, Pope can have a decision prior to his first high school game. However, are there leaders?
“I don’t have any leaders right now or anything like that. I can say I plan to visit Memphis sometime, though.”
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