**AUSTIN, Texas - All eyes are on Texas point guard Jordan Pope as he gears up for the Longhorns' Sweet 16 clash against Purdue this Thursday night. Tip-off is set for 6:10 p.m.
CT on CBS, and fans are eager to see if Pope will bring his A-game despite a recent ankle scare. **
Texas head coach Sean Miller sounded optimistic about Pope’s availability, stating, "Jordan, I think we'll be fine." Miller explained that the team took a break from practice on Sunday, allowing Pope to focus on treatment. The team resumed practice Monday afternoon, with Pope expected to participate.
Pope's ankle injury occurred during Texas' gritty 74-68 victory over BYU. Despite a noticeable limp, Pope managed to walk to the locker room with staff support.
His absence was felt during the post-game media session as he received treatment, but he later assured everyone of his readiness. "I feel good," Pope shared, mentioning he had landed on a teammate's foot.
"I'll be ready for the Sweet 16, there's nothing that can keep me out of that."
Pope has been a steady force for Texas throughout the NCAA Tournament, averaging 11 points and 2.3 assists per game. His sharpshooting from beyond the arc has been crucial, hitting 32% of his three-point attempts and delivering clutch performances that have propelled the Longhorns through their tournament run.
Coach Miller praised Pope's leadership on the court, especially highlighting his role in maintaining composure under pressure. "Jordan is playing as well as anybody in the tournament," Miller noted.
"His calm demeanor has settled our team down. For our team to only have five turnovers against Gonzaga, the credit has to go to the point guard."
As Texas prepares for their showdown with Purdue, Pope's presence on the court will be a key factor. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that his resilience and skill will continue to shine in the Sweet 16.