Bryson Pope is On Point for Tulsa

The sophomore from Jenks has saved Tulsa's season in the early going. He stepped in and did the job that few thought he could.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Jan 11, 2011 10:14 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

TULSA, Oklahoma – Hollywood scripts are pretty much set in stone. Pretty girl, something explodes and there’s always a hunky hero. Tulsa’s season is far from a Hollywood blockbuster so far, at just 8-7. But, the team certainly has found someone to fill the hero’s role.

The Golden Hurricane is 4-2 since turning over the reins to starting point guard Bryson Pope. The sophomore from Jenks has become Tulsa’s primary ball handler. At 76 points per game, the team is averaging four more points with Pope running the show.

But, it wasn’t supposed to be that way.

“I knew he’d be a versatile player but I had no idea he’d thrive like he has in this new role,” said head coach Doug Wojcik.

Pope never even crossed Wojcik’s mind as a possible point guard when the season began. Tulsa had Glenn Andrews, Donte Medder and Jordan Clarkson. All three went down with injuries. Andrews was dismissed from the team. Medder tore his right ACL for the second time in a year. Clarkson is just now getting back on the floor after an ankle sprain.

“Bryce has been a really, really, really good player for our team,” said Clarkson. “He’s playing really well.”

The team is dishing out 13 assists per game and clicking with Pope at the point. He is a leader now. He’s assumed a more vocal role and impressed his teammates.

“He brings a lot of energy to the team,” Clarkson admitted. “(He brings) toughness and aggressiveness going to the basket and scoring for us. It takes a lot of pressure off me too. It’s good to have him there.”

The season hasn’t quite played out like a cinematic must-see, but with the team’s newfound hero dishing out assists and swiping steals, Tulsa should be something to keep an eye on as we inch towards March.

Pope and the Golden Hurricane wrap up the team’s non-conference portion of the schedule Wednesday night on the road against Arizona State.