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SALT LAKE CITY — The Runnin' Utes are off to a slow start in conference play (0-2) and are looking for answers as they head to Boulder this Friday to face a feisty 12-3 Colorado basketball team.
Whether it's a 19-turnover game at Stanford or a tough road loss at Cal, the Runnin' Utes are looking for answers. As they get ready for another conference road game, Utah seniors need to set the tone for conference play. Toughness, identity and leadership are what this team needs most while heading into Friday's game against Colorado.
"You're only as good as your next game," coach Larry Krystkowiak said. "I'll take our chances with this group that we're going to play good basketball this year, and hopefully it starts this Friday."
As many would think its time to hit the panic button for a 0-2 start, Krystkowiak said he's optimistic heading into the Colorado game.
"You're only as good as your next game" — that's a great motto for the season. The mood around the Utah program seems to be that it doesn't matter whether Krystkowiak's team is 0-2 or goes 0-3 this Friday, it is too early in the season to worry.
One area of Utah's game that Krystkowiak said needs improvement is rebounding. Stanford and Cal sent multiple players to the glass, which confused Utah. Utes players were out of place, and its backcourt was already heading back to prevent any fast break opportunities. However, Krystkowiak stressed in practice this week a focus on improving the team's rebounding abilities and rebounding with two hands.
"As you break down our film, we have a lot of people going up to try to get a rebound with one hand," Krystkowiak said. "I had a coach a long time ago that told me the good Lord gave you two hands for a reason."
The Runnin' Utes had a full week to prepare for a tough, physical road test Friday. Expect Utah to come out with a chip on their shoulder as Friday's game is going to be a battle of the front courts as Jakob Poeltl faces off against Josh Scott. Poeltl is averaging 17.7 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game, while Josh Scott has the edge over Poeltl at 17.9 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game. Colorado is second in the Pac-12 averaging 43.7 rebounds per game and Utah is seventh in the conference at 40.5 rebounds per game.
There's no need to worry or panic at this point of the season because this team has overcome defeat before. Only time will tell what type of Utah team will show up on Friday and down the stretch of Pac-12 play. However, the real question is, contender or pretender?
