Glaring Inconsistencies Linger in Runnin’ Utes’ Pac-12 Start
by Tyler Crum
I am generally one to stick with my convictions. Last week, I thought Utah’s rocky start wasn’t too much to worry about, especially since other Pac-12 teams haven’t had a great start either.
However, in light of the Runnin’ Utes’ uninspiring play over this past weekend, including an embarrassing 18-point loss to Oregon and arguably one of the worst first-half performances in recent memory in Sunday’s game against Oregon State, I’ve changed my mind. I believe Utah players and coaches should be concerned by the team’s repeated shortcomings and lack of improvement.
Flashing back to when the team first started conference play, Utah was hot off a momentous victory over then-No. 7 Duke. But even with the impressive overtime victory, it revealed that the team had serious difficulties in closing out a game.
The Utes struggled to find the basket to maintain their nine-point lead, allowing the Blue Devils to go on a 24-8 run over a nine-minute span in the second half. Just like in losses to Miami and Wichita State, the team was prone to turning the ball over, doing so six times in the second half alone. Lastly, they struggled to hit open shots and went just 3-for-18 from outside the arc.
While none of these obstacles would end up derailing Utah’s upset of the storied powerhouse, it made clear that some elements of Utah’s play style were severely flawed and needed to be addressed before opening up Pac-12 play.
When the Utes came out flat in losses against Stanford and Cal and then barely overcame a sluggish start to defeat Colorado, they exhibited all the same issues: turnovers, missed shots and a general lack of tenacity. It felt like the team must have spent little effort during the break preparing and working to fix those problems.
I’ll admit that facing the rigors of Pac-12 play may have made it hard to detect any significant improvements the team has made in the opening weeks. However, the fact of the matter is that the Runnin’ Utes don’t seem to be getting better. Where they have improved in areas like defending the perimeter shot and forcing players to attack the inside, new struggles have popped up. The team’s struggling from the free throw line, has difficulties running the offense against quick defenders, and has challenges making good passes, and all these areas have plagued the team in its most recent outings.
Possibly the biggest reason why the Utes’ mediocre performances as of late shouldn’t be taken lightly is that they haven’t shown the capability of mustering a win on the road or even at home in the Huntsman Center.
Obviously it’s still early in the season. Even if the all of the remaining 13 games on the Runnin’ Utes’ conference schedule don’t go their way, Utah really has until the Pac-12 tournament in early March to resolve some of the team’s glaring issues and get back on track for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
@tylerfcrum
Krystkowiak Will Right the Ship in Young Season for Runnin’ Utes
by Brock Jensen
A number of experts and I sure didn’t see this start coming.
The Utes entered the season, and Pac-12 play for that matter, with lofty expectations. Unfortunately, they’ve started conference play just 2-3 after losing just five total conference games all of last season. It’s been a rough start, even with the recent win over Oregon State on Sunday.
Now, people may start to question whether previous hype around this team was all for naught or if this start is just a bump in the road. Only time will tell for sure, but despite the slow start, I don’t think Utah should be too concerned.
While I don’t think the slow start to conference play is the end of the world, it isn’t exactly the most ideal situation either. I think a bit of the slow start may be due to the Delon Wright hangover, as the Utes surely miss the senior who left for the NBA after last season. Even though Brandon Taylor has provided solid point guard play this season, he spent nearly all his time last year at the No. 2, spot with Wright being the obvious starter at PG.
The departure of Wright has resulted in Taylor, and others, needing to assume that role. Again, it’s not that the point guard play has been terrible, but these players are still getting used to the pressures Wright handled with ease. The good news for Taylor and the rest of the guard rotation is that they will only continue to get better as the season rolls along
But other than that, this team is basically the same as it was last year. Jakob Poeltl has provided the post presence the team needs and has even improved from a season ago. Because of that, however, Pac-12 teams have started to key in on him, and that has given Utah some fits.
But even with all of these little problems early on, I still believe Utah is going to be just fine moving forward.
Head coach Larry Krystkowiak is the main reason I feel this way. Krystkowiak has clearly proven that he is a quality coach in his short tenure here on the hill. He will continue to address what needs to be fixed and put his squad in position to win each game.
Some of the errors have been mental, and some have been physical, but it’s better that these weaknesses are exposed now as opposed to later in the season. Krystkowiak will patch up these areas and get them fixed in time for later in the season, when games start to mean a whole lot more.
Another reason Ute fans shouldn’t be concerned is because of how young the season is. We have just barely entered conference play — it’s way too early to start hitting the panic button. The Utes haven’t played perfectly, and they haven’t given fans any reason to believe they are a top-25 team, but there is still plenty of time to get this ship turned in the right direction.
There is too much talent on this team and the Runnin’ Utes are too well-coached to throw in the towel just because of a slow start to conference play. Yes, the first part of the season has been frustrating for coaches, players and fans, but it’s too soon to start doubting Krystkowiak and company.
@brock_jensen02