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SALT LAKE CITY — The Runnin’ Utes are going into “stealth mode” when discussing an injury that has sidelined starter David Collette.
Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak was asked about the status of Collette during his weekly press conference with media, giving little in the way of discussing the injury.
“You have any idea what’s going on with Dillon Brooks at Oregon? Can you dig up something over there and then I’ll maybe share some of our information,” Krystkowiak quipped back, referencing an injury to Oregon’s Brooks who was injured last week and is questionable for Thursday’s matchup against the Utes.
Krystkowiak said he wouldn't be discussing the injury unless Oregon’s coach Dana Altman “talks first then maybe I'll say something.”
“Otherwise we’re going stealth mode on this. Wish I could help you,” he added.
Despite giving little in regard to Collette’s injury, Krystkowiak later added that he would be held out of practices “for a while” and that his injury was “a serious deal.”
"This isn't something that's easy for anybody," Krystkowiak said. "I do have his best interests.”
Pending further medical tests, Collette is questionable to play against the Ducks, leaving the Utes without one of their most valuable assets in the paint. Collette is averaging 14.9 points per game and has started in all nine of the games he's been eligible to play. Collette did not travel with the team for its Washington road trip due to a concussion.
However, the Utes were fine without one of their leading scorers, blowing out both Washington State and Washington in the team’s first road sweep of the season. In Collette’s absence, freshman Jayce Johnson got the start where he averaged 6.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in the two games.
Johnson, who has made steady progress as the year has developed, said he’s preparing with “the same mindset” whether or not he gets the start against Oregon.
"I'm going to give my heart to the game and play as hard as I can and give my team the best chance I can to win," Johnson said.
Brooks, who sprained his left foot and was in a walking boot, has no clear timetable for his return. However, Brooks was without a boot in Tuesday’s practice and is a game-time decision, according to Tyson Alger of the Oregonian.
"It is totally his decision when he feels like he is ready to go," Altman told Alger. "It is the same for all of our players, if they feel like it is in their best interest not to play at any time, whether it be for their future or whatever, that is their decision. We will survive. We will figure out a way. That is why you have a team, why you have 10 guys ready to go."
Oregon and Utah are expected to tipoff at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. The game will be broadcast on FS1.
