Pac-12 Basketball: Way-too-early preseason 2019-20 power rankings

By Connor Hope | Apr 30, 2019

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Arizona Wildcats mascot Wilbur the Wildcat stands on the baseline during the team's semifinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the UCLA Bruins at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arizona won 86-75. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 14: Utah Utes fans gesture as a player shoots a free throw during a quarterfinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the Oregon Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on March 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Utes 66-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

9) Utah Utes

Like Washington State and Cal, the Utah Utes have lost a lot of talent so far this offseason. Unlike the other two teams, the Utes have perhaps the best coach in the conference at maximizing his team’s output. Coach Krystkowiak may not have a ton of experience on his roster, but the talent should keep the team out of the bottom three.

Timmy Allen, Both Gach and Riley Battin will need to mature quickly, as the three sophomores are the most experience players on the current roster. They are talented players, with valuable experience, but Donnie Tillman’s decision to enter the draft left the roster without a true leader. Even if Donnie Tillman doesn’t return, however, there is still plenty to like about this trio, who all played over 20 minutes per game last season.

Coach Krystkowiak is known for getting the most out of his players, but with a team made up entirely of sophomores and freshman, this will be his toughest challenge yet. They have talent, but the lack of experience at the high-major level will require Krystkowiak to come up with a miracle. If they aim to make the NCAA Tournament, their push will come towards the end of the season, perhaps requiring a Pac-12 Tournament Championship.

Larry Krystkowiak, despite his reputation, will be on the hot seat over the next few years after several “disappointing” season. It may not be fair, but this season may be the nail in the coffin for a coach who did everything he could at an unattractive destination for recruits.

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