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SALT LAKE CITY - In its 100th season, the University of Utah men's basketball team will have a completely new look. Runnin' Ute head coach Jim Boylen has announced that his squad will have new uniforms, shoes and apparel for the 2007-08 season - all provided by adidas.
"We're very excited about our relationship with adidas," said Boylen. "The way they've treated us so far is an awesome statement about their commitment to University of Utah men's basketball. The products and service they've provided to us are first-rate. We are thankful for our relationship with adidas. As we grow this program, we look forward to having adidas come along with us for the ride."
The new uniforms will feature an all crimson and white look. In past years, black had been used as an accent color on uniforms, although the official school colors are crimson and white. In addition to the color scheme, Utah's uniforms will have several other notable differences from the past.
"We need to get back to the principles of defense, running the floor and rebounding," said Boylen. "Those are the parts of the game that the tradition of this program was built on. Our colors are red and white. Black is not one of our colors. I've received a ton of letters from alumni requesting that we take black off the uniform. I agree with them. This is an outward statement of an inward commitment that we've made to get back to the ideals and traditions of this program."
Both the home and away uniforms will include a reference to the Muss - Utah's student section. Included on the shorts in the home uniform will be a reference to the team's motto "U, Us & The Muss." The home uniforms will have U, US and MUSS on both legs of the shorts. The word MUSS will be in the same position on the shorts in the away uniform.
"We need to do a better job connecting with the students and the Muss is the obvious area to start," Boylen said. "We want the students to have a more interactive experience at our games. We want to have the presence of the Muss with us when we travel and at home, so we put the word Muss on the road uniforms as well. My guys are students, too. If they weren't playing, they'd probably be in the Muss. We need the Muss, the students, to build our program and to create the type of culture we want in our arena. We want them to know that we need them and that they're part of us."
In addition, no individual names will be seen on the back of the jerseys. All team jerseys will say Utah on the back, above the number.
"From day one, I've said that the players and the people who are supporting this program need to take more ownership," Boylen said. "We're trying to build this program the right way. I felt there wasn't enough emphasis on playing for the University of Utah and what it means to have Utah across your chest or your back. Again, this is an outward statement toward our inward commitment to become the best program in the country."
Utah Men's Basketball Notes:
The Runnin' Utes are currently preparing for a trip to Australia, where they will play six games against club teams. The squad has been practicing since July 27. The team will leave for Australia on Friday and will return on Aug. 18.
Utah will open the 2007-08 season on Nov. 9, hosting South Carolina Upstate at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The entire schedule will be released soon.
Season ticket packages will be available for sale beginning on Oct. 1. For more ticket information, please visit www.UtahUtes.com.
