If practice performance truly dictates who earns a spot in the starting lineup, then one established star might be facing an unexpected uphill battle. Mark Pope’s new culture at the helm is more than just talk—it’s creating real consequences throughout the roster, with several insiders suggesting that a returning player who was once viewed as a sure thing could now be in danger of sliding down the depth chart. The competition is intense, the tone has shifted, and nobody’s spot is guaranteed anymore.
If practice performance is truly the determining factor for playing time in this new era, then one returning star could be facing a major shakeup. The arrival of Mark Pope as head coach has ushered in a culture overhaul that’s already sending shockwaves through the team. This isn’t just lip service or motivational rhetoric. It’s a very real shift in expectations, accountability, and ultimately, results. With each passing practice, it’s becoming more evident that the days of players coasting on name recognition or past production are over. The new standard is clear: compete every day, perform in practice, or risk falling out of the rotation altogether.
According to multiple insiders close to the program, the transition under Pope has not only introduced a faster-paced, more modern playing style but has also altered the way players earn minutes. In past seasons, there was often a clear hierarchy going into the year—veterans were favored, star power was rewarded, and returning players were usually handed prominent roles unless something drastic happened. That no longer seems to be the case. Every player, regardless of resume, is being asked to prove themselves in every workout, scrimmage, and drill.
One returning player, once considered a lock to start, now finds himself fighting for his place in the lineup. This isn’t due to a lack of talent or a dip in confidence, but rather a reflection of how deep and competitive the roster has become under Pope’s leadership. The staff is watching everything. Effort on defense, decision-making, hustle plays, communication, shooting consistency—nothing is off the table. Pope and his assistants are sending a message: “We are going to reward what we see, not what we’ve seen before.”
The culture shift has been both invigorating and challenging for the players. Those who have embraced the grind and adapted to the intensity of Pope’s practices are thriving. Newcomers are pushing returners. Former bench players are stepping up. Transfers, many of whom came to the program precisely because of Pope’s reputation for building disciplined, cohesive teams, are fitting right in. Nobody’s job is safe, and that’s exactly how Pope wants it. For him, competition breeds growth. Loyalty is earned, not inherited.
That’s not to say the returning players haven’t had their moments. Many have responded positively to the increased pressure. They’re working harder, paying more attention to detail, and buying into the new system. But one in particular—whose name carries weight among fans and who was once penciled into the starting five—isn’t looking like the surefire option he was just months ago. Insiders say that while his skill set remains valuable, his inconsistency in practice and occasional lapses in effort have stood out. And not in a good way.
In Pope’s system, being “talented” isn’t enough. Players must also show reliability, versatility, and a team-first mentality. The player in question has shown flashes of brilliance, but those flashes have been surrounded by moments of disengagement, defensive breakdowns, and poor shot selection. While these things may have been overlooked or tolerated under the previous regime, they are now under the microscope.
It’s a dramatic change, but one that has energized the rest of the team. Younger players feel like they finally have a chance to crack the rotation, not just ride the bench behind more experienced guys. Transfers are walking into a truly open competition, not an entrenched system where they have to wait their turn. Walk-ons and fringe players are being given real looks in practice, sometimes even outplaying scholarship players who aren’t bringing the same energy. That’s the environment Pope has cultivated, and it’s making an impression.
One assistant coach described practices as “intense, loud, and brutally honest.” That’s Pope’s style—he’ll praise you when you earn it, but he’s not afraid to call you out in front of the team if your effort slips. And perhaps that’s what has caught the returning star off guard. Under the old staff, there may have been more leeway. Mistakes were sometimes forgiven if they came from a known commodity. Now, mistakes are teaching moments. And repeated mistakes? Those lead to demotions.
Still, it’s not too late for the player to turn things around. There’s a long offseason ahead, and Pope has made it clear that no one is being written off permanently. But the challenge is real. The competition is real. And the pressure to adapt is mounting. For a player who once seemed untouchable in the rotation, the margin for error has never been slimmer.
Behind the scenes, there’s also the mental and emotional adjustment that comes with such a change in leadership. When players get used to a certain style of coaching—a certain culture—it can be difficult to pivot. Pope’s system demands mental toughness, resilience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. It’s not about comfort zones; it’s about growth zones. And for some, that transition is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, other players are taking advantage of the uncertainty. A freshman with a chip on his shoulder has reportedly impressed the staff with his energy and willingness to do the dirty work. A transfer with less fanfare than others has earned first-team reps simply by outworking people. These are the kinds of players Pope loves—guys who may not be flashy but who understand their role, execute it consistently, and raise the floor of the team.
Fans may be surprised when the first starting lineup is announced. It’s very possible that familiar names will be absent, while newcomers or once-overlooked players step into prominent roles. And when that happens, it won’t be a fluke. It will be the product of weeks and months of competition behind closed doors. Pope is trying to build something sustainable—not a team based on star power, but one based on cohesion, chemistry, and competitiveness. That requires making hard decisions. And it requires players to look in the mirror.
The returning player who’s now in jeopardy may very well respond. Adversity can be a powerful motivator. But he’ll need to show more than just flashes. He’ll need to string together consistent, high-energy practices. He’ll need to defend with urgency, communicate with purpose, and make smart decisions with the ball. If he can do that, he still has a chance to reclaim his spot. But the days of it being handed to him are over.
Pope’s message to the team has been clear from day one: if you want to play, you have to earn it. That means showing up every day ready to compete. It means holding yourself and your teammates accountable. And it means being coachable—truly open to feedback and willing to grow. That mindset is starting to take hold, and it’s creating a ripple effect throughout the program.
It’s not just about winning games—it’s about building a new foundation. One where standards are higher, roles are earned, and everyone knows exactly what’s expected of them. Pope is changing the identity of this team, and while that may come with growing pains, it’s a change that was badly needed. The roster may not have as many household names as in years past, but it has a different kind of potential. One rooted in effort, culture, and unity.
The player on the bubble still has time to rewrite his narrative. But he’ll need to buy in—fully. There’s no room for ego or entitlement in Pope’s locker room. There’s only room for work. And that work begins in practice, where every rep counts and every mistake is a chance to get better or fall further behind. It’s a new era, and the message couldn’t be clearer: practice performance decides the lineup, and nobody is safe.
