The Bottom line for the Utes in 2018-2019
The bottom line for the Utes is that while there’s no shortage of exciting talent and potential on this team, I don’t see them reaching the NCAA Tournament this season (though it is certainly possible). It’s true that the Pac-12 is relatively open outside of the top couple of teams (Oregon and UCLA), but the Utes will have to compete against the likes of Colorado, USC, Arizona, and Washington for the other one or two bids the conference receives.
As much as a like the pros of this roster, the cons (eg. chemistry, youth) can’t simply be ignored. The Utes will need time to gel, and I wouldn’t bet on them snagging that marquis win over Nevada or Kentucky. So while I do believe that this is a talented team that is more likely to surprise than disappoint (picked 8th in the annual coaches’ poll), I think they’re still a year away from doing something truly special. I’ll take the Utes to finish 6th in the final Pac-12 standings and to make the NIT. If the roster can stay healthy and together, however, consider them a possible conference title contender for the following seasons.