Utes 'proud' of season success despite heartbreaking finish


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HOUSTON — Holding the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA draft in a Sweet 16 game to six points is nothing short of remarkable.

But that accomplishment was short-lived as the sting of defeat set in for Utah following a 63-57 loss to perennial powerhouse Duke.

The loss, which was more about the “what ifs” than the actual defeat, was an abrupt ending to a season few foresaw following Utah’s failure to make it to the NCAA Tournament last season. But many of the players said they were proud of the way they played this year and in the tournament.

“I’m just proud. I’m proud of my team,” junior guard Brandon Taylor said. “We came a long way and no one knew we were going to make it this far. People counted us out. But the people in this locker room, we had a certain belief that we knew we could get to the Sweet 16 and we knew we could go as far as we wanted to.

“We didn’t get the win, but it’s a blessing and an honor to be a part of this team,” Taylor added. “This team is so unique, and everybody on this team from the seniors on down, we’re closely knitted. I’ve never been a part of a group of guys like this in my life. And I’m extremely appreciative and proud of each and every one of my teammates.”

For a team that hadn’t been involved in an NCAA Tournament atmosphere since 2009, Utah managed to fight its way to a top spot in the nation and won over some of the so-called doubters. But more importantly, the season success validated the players’ commitment to head coach Larry Krystkowiak’s plan for Utah.

“People said we were going to lose in the first round,” Jordan Loveridge said. “And look where we were: we took Duke down to the last minutes. It was a great team that we lost to. I’m just very proud.”


I'm just proud. I'm proud of my team. We came a long way and no one knew we were going to make it this far. People counted us out. But the people in this locker room, we had a certain belief that we knew we could get to the Sweet 16 and we knew we could go as far as we wanted to.

–Brandon Taylor


“A lot of people counted us out, but we made it to the Sweet 16,” Delon Wright added. “I feel like we’ll remember this for a long time from now. I’m just happy that I was a part of this team this year and that we did good.”

Putting the full season into perspective, Krystkowiak commends the players’ dedication to the program and commitment to success.

“It’s that point in the year where it’s been a heck of a year from September all the way till now, and these kids have given us their heart and souls for the entire year,” he said. “It’s an unbelievable group of guys.”

Although it’s often easy to overlook a season filled with varying degrees of success following a tough loss, Dallin Bachynski said Utah’s season came down to more than just a single game.

“Our season doesn’t come down to this game,” he said. “We learned a lot throughout the season and throughout the playoffs and whatnot. I’m so grateful for the U. and the coaching staff and the players. It’s going to be something I remember for the rest of my life — something I’ll probably tell my kids about once I have them.

“I’m glad that I was able to share this experience with everyone,” Bachynski added. “It was a good memory, just wish it could have ended a little better.”

Taylor said the end to this season will only make the commitment to get back to the Sweet 16 even stronger, particularly with an experienced team that will be a little more accustomed to postseason play.

“You get a taste of the stage, you get a taste of everything,” he said. “It’s only fuel until next year.”

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