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Coaches Vote: Painter Shines, Pope's Reputation Questioned

10/1/2025

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

CBS Sports' Candid Coaches polls about 100 college coaches annually.
This year aims to name the best X's and O's coach.
Painter, Hurley, and McDermott led the vote, with Painter praised for developing players and crafting game plans.
Mark Pope of Kentucky was absent, raising questions about peer esteem.
The season ahead will test Pope's bid to be a top coach.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA's "One-and-Done" rule, implemented in 2008, transformed college basketball by allowing players to enter the NBA Draft after just one year. This shift prompted coaches like Matt Painter of Purdue to prioritize player development. As the landscape evolves, the Candid Coaches poll underscores the growing significance of tactical skills, intensifying competition among coaches such as Mark Pope of Kentucky.

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Story summary

CBS Sports' Candid Coaches polls about 100 college coaches annually.
This year aims to name the best X's and O's coach.
Painter, Hurley, and McDermott led the vote, with Painter praised for developing players and crafting game plans.
Mark Pope of Kentucky was absent, raising questions about peer esteem.
The season ahead will test Pope's bid to be a top coach.

1 / 2