Pope said, with deference to the quality of defense played in the Big 12, that if they passed on the early open 3, they might not get a better shot. Hence the fast break 3 pointers highlighted in the video.

I think he knew he was at a talent and athleticism disadvantage, and he successfully schemed around it with the talent he could get. With the threat of the 3 from all 5 positions (with Khalifa in the game), he was also able to free up lanes for the back cut in the half court setting.

This season, Pope seems prophetic. We’re seeing BYU running out of time and forcing up bad shots late in the clock.