Austin Pope is making a swift leap from college basketball to the professional ranks. After serving just one season as a graduate assistant on Mark Pope’s inaugural staff at the University of Kentucky, Pope has officially accepted a role as the new Video Coordinator for the South Bay Lakers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Though his time in Lexington was short-lived, Pope quickly earned respect within the Wildcats’ program. He played a vital role behind the scenes during film sessions and summer practices, offering insight that complemented Coach Mark Pope’s system. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for what many hope will be a revitalized era of Kentucky basketball.
Before entering the coaching world, Pope had a notable playing career. He was a First-Team All-Pacific West selection in 2018 after averaging 14.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while maintaining an impressive 2.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. His professional journey included stops in Europe and the NBA G League, giving him valuable experience that has translated well into coaching.
Pope’s coaching résumé includes stints at the high school level with Viewpoint and Burroughs High Schools, as well as grassroots work with BTI Hoops in California. His combination of pro-level experience and developmental insight made him a strong asset at Kentucky.
With this new opportunity in the G League, Pope returns to his home state of California to take a key developmental role with the Lakers’ organization. His quick transition from graduate assistant to professional video coordinator is a testament to both his work ethic and the growing influence of Mark Pope’s coaching tree.
Kentucky fans may not have seen him courtside for long, but Austin Pope’s next chapter in the NBA pipeline reinforces the program’s impact — even behind the scenes.
