Pope continues to impress

Eric Bossi on Malik Pope:

A five-star prospect that currently ranks No. 14 in the class of 2014, Malik Pope played up to his lofty reputation on Friday night. Hitting the floor with Team Superstar, the 6-foot-8 small forward displayed a high level of skill, athleticism and potential in front of a big crowd of coaches.

Among the mostly West Coast based programs on hand to watch Pope were Colorado (head coach Tad Boyle), Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, USC, Utah, Gonzaga, San Diego State, New Mexico and many more. They could often be seen shaking their heads after Pope made plays.

With the height of a power forward prospect, Pope is a long and lean wing with legitimate perimeter skill. He's a dangerous shooter out to the three point line and gets anywhere he needs to be on the floor within one or two dribbles. He's quick, he can pass, he can finish in transition and he plays hard on both ends of the floor.

Given that he won't turn 16 until the end of the month, he sometimes forces things and makes silly mistakes. But, there's a good chance that he's still got even more growing left to do. There are some good young wings on the West Coast, but Pope is firmly establishing himself as the best prospect in his neck of the woods from the class of 2014.