Mark Pope is encouraged with what he seeing from freshman Collin Chandler….

Mark Pope is encouraged with what he seeing from freshman Collin Chandler…**Mark Pope Encouraged by Freshman Collin Chandler’s Progress and Potential**

 

BYU men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope has always placed a premium on building a competitive and dynamic roster, but his excitement over freshman guard Collin Chandler’s development has recently been a focal point for the program. Pope, known for his sharp eye for talent and his emphasis on team chemistry, has consistently praised Chandler’s work ethic, natural skill set, and ability to adapt to the rigors of college basketball. With the upcoming season fast approaching, Pope is increasingly optimistic about what the future holds for Chandler and how he will contribute to the team.

 

### **Collin Chandler: A Highly-Touted Freshman**

 

Collin Chandler, a native of Murray, Utah, came to BYU as one of the top prospects in the 2023 recruiting class. Standing 6-foot-4, Chandler combines athleticism, sharp basketball IQ, and versatile scoring ability. His high school career was filled with accolades, including leading his team to the state finals, while consistently being recognized as one of the most highly recruited guards in the state.

 

Chandler’s reputation as a dynamic scorer, with an ability to shoot from beyond the arc, drive to the basket, and play off the ball, made him a natural fit for Pope’s up-tempo offensive system. But beyond his scoring, Chandler’s ability to defend, facilitate, and understand the flow of the game made him a special recruit for the Cougars.

 

### **Coach Pope’s Positive Outlook on Chandler’s Progress**

 

As the season draws closer, Pope has become increasingly vocal about his belief in Chandler’s potential. Speaking to reporters and team staff, Pope frequently mentions how impressed he is with Chandler’s development, not just as a player, but as a student of the game.

 

Pope emphasized that Chandler’s ability to adjust to the speed and physicality of college basketball was far quicker than most freshmen, and that his work ethic in practice has been exemplary. “Collin is one of those rare guys who comes in and is ready to work immediately,” Pope said. “He’s been really impressive in every phase of his game.”

 

Chandler’s adaptability has been evident in his ability to handle the learning curve that comes with transitioning from high school to Division I basketball. While many freshmen struggle with the adjustment, Chandler has quickly earned the trust of his teammates and coaches by demonstrating his commitment to improving each day.

 

### **Playing Style and Strengths**

 

Chandler’s skill set aligns well with BYU’s fast-paced style of play, which emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and high basketball IQ. His ability to shoot the three-pointer with consistency has already made him a legitimate threat from the outside. However, it’s not just his scoring that makes Chandler such a valuable asset to the team.

 

Pope has also highlighted Chandler’s versatility as a playmaker and his ability to get to the basket. Chandler’s athleticism allows him to navigate through defenses, while his court vision and passing ability make him an asset in transition or as a secondary ball handler. He has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, something Pope particularly appreciates.

 

“Collin’s basketball IQ is through the roof,” Pope explained. “He can read the floor, make quick decisions, and take what the defense gives him. He’s not just a shooter; he’s a true all-around player who can do a little bit of everything.”

 

One of the more encouraging aspects of Chandler’s game, according to Pope, is his defensive potential. Though scoring often takes center stage in evaluating freshmen, Pope has emphasized that Chandler’s ability to lock down opposing players has been a significant part of his early development. The freshman guard has quickly grasped the team’s defensive principles and has shown the ability to defend multiple positions, a critical trait for BYU’s defense-first mentality.

 

### **High Expectations for the Freshman Guard**

 

As with any highly-recruited freshman, there are always expectations, both externally and internally, for the player to make an immediate impact. Pope has made it clear that Chandler is already expected to contribute right away and that he sees the freshman guard as a key piece of the team’s rotation.

 

“We’re going to lean on Collin this year,” Pope noted in one of his interviews. “He’s mature beyond his years, and he has a ton of potential. I think he’s going to be a really important player for us in terms of both offense and defense.”

 

While Pope is excited about Chandler’s growth, he is also mindful of the need for continued development. College basketball is a constant grind, and there will be challenges along the way for the freshman. However, Pope’s confidence in Chandler’s resilience and work ethic is clear.

 

“College basketball is tough, but Collin is a tough player,” Pope remarked. “He’s going to have his ups and downs like any freshman, but I believe in his ability to learn and grow throughout the season.”

 

### **Chandler’s Role Going Forward**

 

As BYU prepares for the upcoming season, Chandler’s role will likely evolve as the team continues to build chemistry and work through early-season challenges. While Pope is counting on Chandler to step up as an immediate contributor, there are also long-term goals for his development. Pope has made it clear that he sees Chandler as a future leader for the team, with the potential to grow into a key figure in the program’s future.

 

One area where Chandler will continue to be tested is in his ability to handle pressure in big moments. College basketball can be a crucible for young players, with tight games and high expectations. While Chandler has already shown glimpses of his ability to rise to the occasion, he will need to continue developing his poise in high-pressure situations.

 

Another aspect of Chandler’s development that Pope is keeping a close eye on is his leadership abilities. As a freshman, Chandler is still learning how to assert himself within the context of a team. However, Pope has already seen leadership qualities in Chandler, particularly in how he communicates with teammates and leads by example.

 

“Collin is naturally a quiet leader, but you can see his confidence grow as he gets more comfortable in our system,” Pope explained. “He’s already one of those guys who steps up when it matters, and I think that’s going to only get stronger as the season progresses.”

 

### **Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead**

 

As Mark Pope continues to build his program at BYU, Collin Chandler stands out as a key player to watch, not just for this season, but for the long-term future of the Cougars’ basketball program. Pope’s encouragement is a testament to Chandler’s growth and potential, and it’s clear that the coaching staff believes the freshman guard can become a cornerstone of the team moving forward.

 

For Chandler, the challenge now is to build on the momentum he’s established and continue to evolve into the complete player that Pope envisions. If his early development is any indication, there’s little doubt that Chandler has the potential to make a significant impact at BYU and in college basketball as a whole. With Coach Pope’s confidence behind him, the sky is the limit for the talented freshman guard from Utah.