Prospect Spotlight: Isaiah Pope (2019)
Orange Lutheran guard Isaiah Pope is poised to take the next step in his development and productivity on both the high school and club levels.
The 6-foot-3, class of 2019 prospect has shown plenty of flashes of an improved all-around game this spring and summer while playing for Compton Magic’s 16U squad and with his fellow Lancers in various high school summer leagues.
“I’ve been in the gym a lot this spring and summer,” Pope said. “We lost a lot of scoring with Chr
Rising junior Isaiah Pope is confident in his abilities.is (Williams) graduating, so I know I have to pick it up next season.”
Williams led Orange Lutheran in scoring during the 2016-17 campaign with 20.4 per contest, while Pope pitched in a respectable 7.5 as a sophomore as the Lancers played one of the most difficult prep schedules you’ll find in any state.
Pope said he’s been putting extra emphasis on improving in the basketball IQ aspects of the game.
“I’m focused on being smart,” he said. “I’m going to need to reduce turnovers, make the right plays and shoot it when I’m open.”
The rising junior is also fixating on developing his combo guard skill set.
“I want to be able to play both one and two,” Pope said. “I want to be able to run an offense, but also be a scorer – whatever the coach needs.”
All of the work Pope has put in is in preparation for what could be a breakout summer live period with his Compton Magic club, a program in which he’s more than satisfied with.
“It’s been good,” he said. “I love the program and have been getting good minutes and good exposure.”
Pope said his recruitment is idle at the moment, but he’s confident it will pick up soon.
“I haven’t heard from any schools yet,” he said. “But I’m waiting patiently and my time will come. I’m going for Division I and I think I can play at that level with my size, ball skills and vision.”