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SALT LAKE CITY - Three weeks after the University of Utah fired Jim Boylen, the Utes introduced Larry Krystkowiak as their men's basketball coach Monday afternoon.
Addressing the media for the first time, Krystkowiak was candid and forthcoming in his quest to return the Utes back to the history and tradition that they have had up on The Hill.
- 2010-11 New Jersey Nets (Assistant Coach).
- 2009-10 Adidas Nations/Adidas USA Head Coach
- 2007-08 Milwaukee Bucks (Head Coach) Record: 31-69* *Includes final 17 games of 2006-07.
- 2006-07 Milwaukee Bucks (Assistant/Head Coach)
- 2004-06 Montana (Head Coach) Record: 42-20 (2 seasons) NCAA Tournament Appearances: 2 NCAA 2nd Round: 2006
- 2003-04 Idaho Stampede, CBA (Head Coach) Record: 38-14 (1 season) Postseason: CBA Finals
- 2001-02 Old Dominion (Assistant Coach)
- 1998-2000 Montana (Assistant Coach)
"Everyone in this room wants to win," Krystkowiak said in his introductory press conference. "What is infinitely more rare is having the will to prepare to win - to put in the kind of work that is necessary."
Krystkowiak will get the first opportunity to lead the Utes as they transition into the Pac-12 Conference next season.
"Larry has the ability to lead our program to the national prominence it has enjoyed for much of our history and he understands the importance of Utah basketball to our university and community," Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hill said.
"Larry has outstanding experience as a player and coach, both collegiately and in the NBA. He has impressed me with his intelligence, intensity, basketball knowledge and love of the game."
Related:
Player transfers not out of the question as Utes move forward with new coach
It's tough being the new man on campus. It's just not very often that the new man on campus is the new head basketball coach for the Runnin' Utes basketball program and the players that Larry Krystkowiak inherits know that their new coach has an impressive resume.Tough challenges lay ahead for Krystkowiak, who takes over a struggling Utah program that has ended with a losing record four of the past six seasons, with only one trip to the NCAA Tournament.
"The opportunity given to me means an awful lot to me," Krystkowiak said. "I understand the challenges that lie ahead."
Email: rojackson@ksl.com
Twitter: @rojackKSL
