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SALT LAKE CITY — After a second violation of team rules, Josh "Jiggy" Watkins has been dismissed from the Utah Utes basketball team.
"The well being of our program will always come first," Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak said in a written statement issued Wednesday morning. "The integrity of our program as a whole cannot be sacrificed for any individual."
Watkins was the Utes' leading scorer this season, averaging 15.6 points and just under 5 assists per game.
| Games | 16 |
| Points/Game (PPG) | 15.6 |
| Rebounds/Game (RPG) | 3.2 |
| Steals | 17 |
| Blocks (BLK) | 3 |
| Assists/Game (APG) | 4.8 |
| Position | Guard |
| Height | 5'11" |
| Weight | 211 lbs |
| Birthplace | New York, New York |
| Previous School | Howard |
This was the second time the 5'11" guard from New York violated team rules this season. On Dec. 6, Watkins was suspended indefinitely for undisclosed conduct detrimental to the team. He sat out one game, an 81-50 loss to Cal St. Fullerton, Utah's worst loss in Huntsman Center history.
After Watkins rejoined the team, the Utes were instantly better, winning three of their next six games, a good feat considering the team has only won four games all year. In the last victory, Jiggy scored 20 points and hit the game-winning shot in overtime as Utah picked up its first Pac-12 victory 62-60 over Washington State.
"This was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make," Krystkowiak said.
Watkins, the lone senior on Utah's active roster, will be tough to replace. Not only did he lead the team in points and assists, he also was number one in minutes played (31.1) and steals (17).
Jiggy was one of four returning players from last year's Runnin' Utes. With David Foster still out recovering from surgery on his right foot, that only leaves Chris Hines and Jason Washburn as the only two returning from Jim Boylen's squad.
The Utes (4-13) are back in action Thursday night to host Arizona in Pac-12 play.
