Utah Basketball: 2018-2019 season preview for the Utes

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Utah Utes cheerleaders perform during a 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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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack celebrates as they defeat the Texas Longhorns during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Breaking down the Utes’ non-conference slate in 2018-19

Notable games

Nov. 12 (A) – Minnesota
Nov. 22 – 25 (N) – Wooden Legacy Tournament (8-team field includes Hawaii, Miami, Seton Hall, Fresno St., and Grand Canyon)
Dec. 8 (N) – BYU
Dec. 15 (A) – Kentucky
Dec. 29 (H) – Nevada

With games against the likes of Nevada and Kentucky, there’s no question that the Utes have one the nation’s most difficult non-conference schedules. As a young team that needs to time to gel, those matchups will be great opportunities to test their mettle and prepare for the difficulties of Pac-12 play. Interspersed between those high-level opponents are games against teams like Northern Arizona, Florida A&M, Mississippi Valley State, and Maine, which should be easy victories that allow Krystkowiak to pull ahead and start experimenting with different lineups.

If the Utes can find a way to beat all the teams of a similar caliber to themselves (BYU, Minnesota), and pull off an upset against either Kentucky or Nevada (that would be enormous to beat Kentucky on the road), that would go a long way towards impressing the selection committee. Pair that sort of non-con success with a top 4 or 5 finish in the Pac-12, and the Utes might just be able to put their dancing shoes for the first time in three years.

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