Pope and Allen Aztec updates

In Mark Ziegler's "5 questions as SDSU opens hoops practice" article,

"Is there hope for (Malik) Pope?

We saw glimpses as a freshman, the 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting at Colorado State, the 16 points in 24 minutes at New Mexico. We saw even more as a sophomore, particularly late in the season, scoring in double figures nine times in 12 games.

Pope flirted with turning pro, attended some NBA workouts and opted to return for his junior year. And so here we are, two college seasons under his belt, enormous expectations on his shoulders.

The Aztecs have other pieces, no doubt, and can win without him. But no player has a higher ceiling, more dazzling upside, than the guy with the 6-10 frame, 3-point range, speed, hops, agility, fluidity. No single player can elevate the Aztecs from very good to great...

...The experience of NBA workouts, of tasting the next level, of understanding where he needs to improve, appears to have motivated and matured him. He announced his return to school, and the next afternoon was in the weight room. The Sacramento native stuck around and played in the Drew League, the famed Los Angeles summer league loaded with current and future pros..."

and

"Who’s team is this?

"...One captain is obvious: (Dakarai) Allen, a senior who has steadily and patiently improved each season..."