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Jordan Pope stays at Texas
Jordon Pope at University of Texas

Photo: Courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

Grind Session Spotlight: Jordan Pope — From Prolific Prep to the Big Stage in Texas

Guard Jordan Pope, a Prolific Prep/Grind Session alum, has elected to return to Texas for his senior year under new head coach Sean Miller. As a junior, Pope averaged around 11.0 points per game and had standout performances including a career-high 42 points with eight 3s in a game against New Orleans. His return was confirmed by the program and reported by multiple outlets including Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports.

Jordan Pope’s basketball journey has been defined by loyalty, work ethic, and unshakable confidence. A product of the Grind Session’s elite circuit, Pope spent three standout seasons with Prolific Prep in Napa, California, solidifying his reputation as one of the West Coast’s most skilled and underrated guards.

Prolific Pedigree: The 2020 Team That Could Have Been

Hailing from the Bay Area, Pope transferred to Prolific Prep as a sophomore and quickly became a core piece of a legendary lineup. The 2020 Prolific Prep squad, which featured future NBA talents like Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns), and Mouhamed Gueye (Atlanta Hawks), was considered a favorite to win the GEICO Nationals — until the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended the high school season. Many still regard that Prolific team as the best in the nation, a group that never got the chance to officially prove it.

Jordon Pope at Prolific Prep

Jordon Pope Prolific Prep, Photo: Rick Manahan/Grind Session

Pope’s teammates also included Coleman Hawkins (Illinois, Kansas State), Frank Anselem (Georgia), Nimari Burnett(Michigan), Nate Bittle (Oregon), and Fallou Cisse (Cal State San Bernardino). On a team full of future high-major and professional players, Pope held his own with calm composure, knockdown shooting, and tight handle.

College Career: From the Pac-12 to the Big 12

After graduating, Pope chose Oregon State, where he made an immediate impact in the Pac-12. He averaged double figures in both his freshman and sophomore seasons and was consistently one of the Beavers' most reliable scoring options. Known for his smooth 3-point stroke and clutch shot-making, Pope earned All-Freshman honors and showed veteran poise from day one.

But as the Pac-12 crumbled due to realignment chaos, Pope made the decision to transfer to a more stable and competitive program. He landed at Texas, joining a stacked Longhorns squad under new leadership and aiming to make his mark in the Big 12 — one of the nation’s toughest conferences.

Jordan Pope

Jordon Pope, Photo: Rick Manahan Grind/Session

Why He Stands Out

Jordan Pope brings elite ball-handling, a quick release from deep, and high basketball IQ. He’s proven he can run a team, create for himself, and step up in big moments. His three seasons on the Grind Session circuit prepared him to go toe-to-toe with the best, and his development at the college level continues to show that he belongs on the biggest stage.

At Texas, expect Pope to continue to play a key role as a floor general and scoring guard, especially in late-game situations. He’s a veteran presence who has already played in major arenas and against NBA-level competition.

Grind Session Legacy

Jordan Pope represents the kind of player the Grind Session is built to highlight: underrated, skilled, fearless, and ready to rise. From the canceled dreams of 2020 to making his mark in the NCAA, his story isn’t finished — it’s just hitting its next chapter.

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The Grind Session

The Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit of elite high school basketball events. In past seasons, our teams have played in some of the greatest and most unique cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. From November to March over 300 action-packed games will be played. The Grind Session is more than just great games: it's an opportunity to prepare for the next chapter of your basketball career.

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