Like many teams on campus, the Runnin’ Utes are in a state of transition.
Andrew Bogut is off to the NBA and Marc Jackson has finally exhausted his eligibility. But the signs are hopeful for Ray Giacoletti’s team.
Stepping in at center will be freshman Luke Nevill. Junior transfer Misha Radojevic figures to get time at both power forward and center as well. Neither is well known on the hill, but along with senior Chris Jackson, Giacoletti feels the Utes will be strong inside.
“All three of those guys bring something different to the center spot,” Giacoletti said. “On any given night I think we’ll have the right combination with those three to help us be successful.”
After a breakout junior season, Bryant Markson will be one of the main offensive weapons for the Utes. The swingman is the returning leading scorer, having chipped in 10.4 points per game last year.
Competing for the small forward position will be fellow senior Richard Chaney, who hopes to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2004-2005 season.
In the backcourt, all eyes are on sophomore transfer Johnnie Bryant. Bryant practiced with the team most of last season and will probably step into Marc Jackson’s hybrid shooting/point guard role. The coaches love Bryant’s athleticism and ball handling ability, as well as his deep shooting range.
Bryant will start in the backcourt with senior Tim Drisdom, a veteran leader on a young team.
The Utes have an impressive incoming group of players, most of whom figure to get substantial playing time. Shaun Green, a 6-foot-7-inch small forward, was the top-rated high school player in Utah last season and will compete right away.
Lawrence Borha and Ricky Johns add instant backcourt depth, a problem that plagued the Utes late last season.