Utah Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Utes
Expectations for the season
Larry Krystkowiak has done a tremendous job of making Utah a contender in their new league. He’s gone the international route, the transfer route, and the hidden gem route. Utah isn’t a state that provides a ton of basketball talent, and it can be difficult to get players to come to Salt Lake City.
That said, he’s still at it getting talent, including the incredibly late signing of Devante Doutrive, a top 100 recruit for 2017. His academic issues made his recruitment interesting but ultimately will play for Utah next season after taking a redshirt this year.
His talents are needed this season, as the depth at the guard line is pretty thin. There’s a ton of role players on this roster, and unless at least one of them steps up, this could be a long year for the Utes. It’s not likely Utah will make the NCAA tournament this season unless Barefield, in particular, can become a star in the league.
Even if the Utes fail to make the tournament, a win in Provo would salvage things for a fan base who enjoys beating up on their rivals. Utah has won the last three games in the basketball series, and Popoola’s reversal is evident of who has the upper hand in the recruiting battle. The No. 1 objective is the NCAA tournament. Just slightly behind is a win on Dec. 16.