Utah Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Utes

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Utah Utes cheerleaders perform during the team's quarterfinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the California Golden Bears at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. California won 78-75. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: Head coach Larry Krystkowiak of the Utah Utes talks with Gabe Bealer /

Starters

SR Justin Bibbins

One big issue from last season was a lack of a true point guard, with Bonam being more of the combo variety. In comes via Long Beach State grad transfer Bibbins, who averaged 13.1 ppg but more importantly 4.6 apg, which was good for second in the Big West last year. He shot 90% from the free throw line and is a fearless player, but his size at 5’8 and 150 pounds makes him a liability on defense.

JR Sedrick Barefield

The candidate for leading scorer this season, Barefield had 35 in the game in which Kuzma didn’t play. He averaged nine points a game coming off the bench but will have to get it to around 15 for this team to be a tournament threat.

SR Gabe Bealer

Due to a lack of true wings on the roster, the senior gets the start most likely. He only averaged 3.6 ppg in 12 minutes of action, but his 6’6 size makes him an asset on the perimeter.

SR David Collette

The 6’10 Utah State transfer was solid in his first season with the Utes, finishing with 13.6 ppg and 5.1 rpg. He was consistent on offense, but sometimes overwhelmed defensively when it came to athletic forwards in the PAC-12.

SR Tyler Rawson

There’s going to be a battle for this starting center position all season, but for now the experienced senior gets the nod. In 20 mpg Rawson averaged six points a game and started eight games due to other player’s injuries. He’s going to have to get to double-digits to have a productive final season.

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