It’s always fun to get a new thing — especially the first time you take that thing out of the package and marvel at how shiny and new it is.
Usually this fun is reserved for taking an iPod, a new DVD or a computer out of the package. Tonight at the Huntsman Center, the fun of unwrapping something new will extend to the basketball floor.
Although new head coach Jim Boylen has taken his team out for a few sample runs against each other — as well as teams from Down Under — U fans will be introduced to what promises to be a new, improved and more disciplined Runnin’ Utes team.
The Utes’ style of play will be new. Their jerseys will be new. So will the players’ attitudes. In fact, the only things that won’t be new are the faces that make up the Utes, and their record.
Most importantly, expectations are new at the U — at least according to four people who make up the ESPN/USA Today poll that currently has the Utes ranked No. 44 in the country. The fact that those four votes come on the heels of an 11-19 season last year says that Boylen and the Utes have already convinced a few people that they are doing something right.
But if you want to see Boylen take his new team out of the wrapping, you’ll have to come the Huntsman Center as the Utes take on the Oreminers of Montana Tech in an exhibition game.
Although you probably won’t see the Utes tested to their full extents, what you are likely to see are the makings of a team that could contend for the Mountain West Conference title, and certainly a team that plays with a lot of intensity and discipline on both sides of the court.
In seemingly every breath this season Boylen has said, “This team is going to play with heart, this team is going to play tough, and these guys are going to play like a team proud to have that name across their uniform.”
The tip-off is set for 7 p.m. with Luke Nevill slated to start at center, Shaun Green and Stephen Weigh at the forwards and Lawrence Bohra and juco transfer Tyler Kepkay at the guards.
Although fans won’t officially get the chance to take anything out of the package tonight (perhaps with the exception of a hot dog), it could be just as much fun watching Boylen do so with his Utes.