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SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah sophomore center Jakob Poeltl came up big against Washington on Sunday, going 13 for 16 from the free-throw line, scoring 29 points and recording 10 rebounds.
One of the biggest questions for Poeltl heading into the 2015-2016 basketball season was his free throws. Last year he struggled, shooting 44 percent from the line. He wasn't comfortable at the line, and Poeltl knew that to get to the next level, he would have to improve on his free-throw game.
Through 20 games this season, Poeltl is shooting over 69.5 percent from the stripe. Sunday night his dedication showed: Utah went 16-24 from the free-throw line and Poeltl tallied 13 of the 16.
"Yeah, it's really cool; his stroke looks good," said coach Larry Krystkowiak in a radio interview with ESPN 700. "Like a lot of things with his game, he's addressed four or five things in the offseason. He's put a heartfelt effort into it. He works on it. He's changed his routine."
The offseason paid off for Poeltl, as he was visited by retired NBA center Jack Sikma, a longtime friend of Krystkowiak. Sikma worked one-on-one with Poeltl, primarily focusing on his free-throw game.
"He looked at probably 100 of Jakob's free throws," said Krystkowiak. "He analyzed it and gave us some pointers; we passed it along to Jakob."
"Jakob is a lot more still and his eyes are on the rim," said Krystkowiak. "He came back from Austria and chose not to dribble. He took the dribble out of it. Without those free throws, obviously we wouldn't be where we are."
Poeltl dominated the paint on Sunday night in Seattle, and Washington had no answer for No. 42 in crimson and white. Not only has Poeltl improved his free-throw game, but also his poise in the paint.
"He's not afraid to get fouled now," said Krystkowiak. "He's going up strong, and that's a part of his post development. He used to try to out quick guys, and now he's gathering, and powering in the post."
Not only is Poeltl a dynamic post player for the Runnin' Utes, but his vision separates him from the rest. Poeltl had four assists Sunday to go with his double-double against the Huskies.
Poeltl is tied for 22nd in the country with nine double-doubles on the season and is ninth in the country for field goal percentage, at 63.7 percent. In the 11 games remaining on the Pac-12 conference schedule, look for Poeltl to continue to rise to the top of both lists.
As Pac-12 conference play continues and teams battle for the top, the Runnin' Utes will rely on Poeltl more and more, both making a push to be No. 1 in the conference.
