LOS ANGELES – Former Chaminade University men's basketball player Austin Pope was hired as the Head Video Coordinator for the South Bay Lakers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Pope, who wore a Silverswords uniform during the 2016-17 and '17-18 seasons, will be responsible and managing the video department for all aspects for South Bay including scouting, filming team practices, game video breakdown, in-game video from the bench as well. He will also be assisting in on-court player development and draft workouts.
Pope, who is striving to become a head coach, will also be working closely with the Lakers themselves.
Following his CUH playing career, the Burbank, California, native played professionally throughout Europe and in the G League before hanging up the sneakers to pursue coaching. Last year, Pope was a graduate assistant at one of college basketball blue bloods, the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats advanced to the Sweet 16 before seeing their season end to Southeast Conference rival Tennessee.
"It's a dream come true being able to work for the franchise I grew up a fan of, especially with Kobe Bryant being my favorite player of all time," Pope said. "It's surreal to be back home after an awesome Sweet 16 run at Kentucky. I'm thankful to all the coaches, players and Big Blue Nation for my time at UK."
Pope averaged 13.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals while being a starter in all 57 games during his career for the 'Swords. He had 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in their 96-72 victory over Cal in 2017, Chaminade's last win in the Southwest Maui Invitational.
"My goal is to become a head coach," Pope said. "I have a long way to go but this is a stepping stone in the right path for my journey!"
The NBA G League gets underway in November.
