Source: Texas Longhorns Remain 'Excited' for Jordan Pope Visit After Busy Day in Transfer Portal
AUSTIN -- A source tells LonghornsCountry.com that the Texas Longhorns remain "excited" to host Oregon State transfer guard Jordan Pope for his visit on Tuesday even after the team landed a trio of commitments from the portal on Sunday.
Texas landed Indiana State transfers Jayson Kent and Julian Larry along with a surprise commitment from Arkansas transfer and former Houston Cougar, Tramon Mark. Adding these three to the backcourt doesn't look like it's having a negative impact on the strong mutual interest between Pope and Texas.
The Longhorns will be battling with the rival Texas A&M Aggies for Pope, who are hosting him for a visit in College Station on Thursday. Texas fans will be hoping that Pope won't leave Austin until he commits to the 'Horns, meaning Rodney Terry, Frank Haith and staff will have to continue working their magic this week. Of course, expecting an immediate commitment is optimistic thinking, as Buzz Williams and the Aggies will likely still get their chance to pitch to Pope as well.
Pope, an Oakley, Calif. native, has played the past two seasons at Oregon State. He's started 63 of 64 games in his college career while playing 34.6 minutes averaging 15.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Though the Beavers have struggled the past two seasons, he's had some big-time performances and moments. This past season, he hit a game-winning fadeaway triple at the buzzer to shock then-No. 9 Arizona in an 83-80 win in January. Pope scored 30 points in the victory and failed to reach double figures in just one game the entire season.