Lamont Butler Explains How Coach Mark Pope Gives This Team Offensive Confidence

SAN DIEGO — Lamont Butler has become one of the cornerstones for the University of San Diego’s men’s basketball team this season. As a seasoned senior guard, he’s seen and experienced his fair share of coaching styles, offensive systems, and team dynamics. But for Butler, one thing stands out in the current setup under head coach Mark Pope: the confidence he has in his players, particularly in their offense.

In a recent interview, Butler opened up about how Coach Pope’s approach to offensive play has impacted his game and the entire team’s mindset. According to Butler, one of the key reasons why Pope’s coaching resonates with him and the rest of the roster is the way he empowers his players to make decisions and take risks within a structured framework.

“Coach Pope is all about building trust,” Butler said. “He doesn’t want us to play scared, and that’s the best part. He puts the ball in our hands and tells us to be aggressive, to take what the defense gives us, but also to trust our instincts. When you have a coach who believes in your ability to make plays, it really elevates your confidence.”

This offensive freedom might be one of the hallmarks of Pope’s coaching philosophy. Known for his high-tempo, up-tempo style of play, Pope encourages his players to push the ball, be creative in transition, and to not be afraid to take open shots, especially from the perimeter. It’s a stark contrast to more rigid, playbook-heavy systems that limit player autonomy.

For a player like Butler, who excels in attacking the basket and has a growing three-point game, this sense of freedom has been a game-changer. Last season, Butler had moments of brilliance, but the transition from a more structured offense to the freedom Pope promotes has unlocked a new dimension of his play.

“Last year, I was more hesitant at times. I would second-guess myself or wait for the play to develop,” Butler explained. “Now, Coach Pope has really given me that green light to shoot and attack whenever I see an opportunity. He says, ‘Don’t overthink it. Just play your game.’ When a coach tells you that, it makes a huge difference. It’s not just about getting the plays right — it’s about letting your confidence drive you.”

This shift in mindset has had a ripple effect on the entire team. The Toreros’ offensive efficiency has seen a noticeable improvement, with players like Butler finding themselves in more rhythm, not just in scoring, but in distributing the ball and creating opportunities for their teammates. Pope’s emphasis on player-driven offense is evident in the way the team moves the ball around the court, finding open shooters or driving lanes and being more fluid in their sets.

“He’s also big on communication,” Butler continued. “If something isn’t working, he’ll stop us, give us feedback, and encourage us to try something different. It’s never about ‘we’re doing this wrong.’ It’s about how we can adjust and get better.”

The trust Pope places in his players goes beyond just the X’s and O’s. He fosters a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures. That culture has allowed Butler to grow, not only as a scorer but also as a leader on the court. Having a coach who allows his players to take ownership of their development and empowers them to be confident in their abilities has been crucial for Butler’s evolution this season.

“There’s no room for fear,” said Butler. “When you know your coach has your back, and you know that he wants you to succeed, it changes everything. It’s more than just X’s and O’s. It’s about mentality. And Coach Pope has made sure that all of us know we’re good enough to succeed.”

As for the team’s offensive outlook moving forward, Butler is optimistic. The Toreros are not only gaining confidence in their own abilities but are also learning how to rely on each other. The system that Coach Pope has put in place is giving each player a platform to excel and a framework where their individual talents can shine.

“We’re starting to click now. We’re finding our rhythm, and guys are stepping up, making plays,” Butler said. “It’s exciting to see how far we can take this. We’re all bought into the system, and Coach Pope has made sure we know our potential.”

With Butler leading the charge, the University of San Diego Toreros are positioned to continue improving offensively throughout the season. Their ability to score, take risks, and trust in each other can be directly attributed to the confidence Pope instills in them each day. With this approach, there’s no telling how far this team can go — but one thing is for sure: the offensive mindset has been completely transformed under Coach Mark Pope’s leadership.