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SALT LAKE CITY — Branden Carlson slammed the ball through the net with authority and the 7-foot center established a physical style of play against a visiting Westminster team in an exhibition game to start off the 2022-23 season for the Utah men's basketball team.
Carlson's dunk highlighted the overmatched level of competition against the Division II school just down the street from the University of Utah, but it was the first opportunity to see the Runnin' Utes in action in head coach Craig Smith's second season with the program.
The Runnin' Utes came away with a 93-58 win, and four players finished in double figures, with Rollie Worster leading the charge with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
While not a perfect with the level of competition, Utah appears to have added enough pieces to build upon last season's team that went 11-20 on the season. The following are a few takeaways and observations from the exhibition game.
Looking at the lineups
At the start of the season, it's always natural to wonder who will be in the team's starting unit. Ahead of the season, Smith said he has a versatile group, which has made identifying a starting unit difficult with so many different looks the team can use this season.
But in the first action, Smith played it safe and started his veteran players from last season: Branden Carlson, Gabe Madsen, Rollie Worster and Lazar Stefanovic. The fifth starter was Wisconsin transfer Ben Carlson at the forward spot, who was likely starting in place of Marco Anthony, who was out with a reported lower-leg injury.
The first off the bench was Keba Keita, Mike Saunders Jr., Wil Exacte Jr. and Jaxon Brenchley, followed shortly after by Bostyn Holt and Gavin Baxter. In total, Smith utilized 13 players in the game, and most played for more than 10 minutes of action. While Smith won't utilize that many players as the season progresses, it was a good look at the talent the team has.
Utah has the ability to go big with Branden Carlson and Baxter (outside of a minutes restriction), with Ben Carlson and Anthony providing additional length. But the most effective of the night appeared to be the team's small-ball unit that featured Saunders, Holt, Exacte, and Madsen.
That versatility could help Utah mix and match against the various lineups Utah will face this season, but it's still early to tell how effective these different units can be. But it's a good sign for where Utah wants to go this season.
Shooting is questionable
Utah scored 91 points against a Division II team, but shot 45% from the floor. While not a terrible shooting percentage,Utah needs a consistent scorer to lift the team past some of the scoring slumps that were there for much of last season. On Wednesday, the shots didn't fall early, but the team eventually picked up the pace to a respectable shooting percentage.
Branden Carlson will continue to be the central figure of the team, but it needs a bigger outside presence and a consistent scorer outside of the post. Anthony's return to the lineup should add a boost to the team's scoring, but it still needs more to contend with much of the Pac-12.
The Utes have guys that can get there and be a threat from deep, but it's not there yet. As the lineups become more settled and the team starts to play together in real games, the game has the potential to be more fluid and effective — which in turn can open up shots for the team (but they still have to make them).
Gavin Baxter and Bostyn Holt
Following another season-ending injury for Baxter last season with BYU, the fifth-year senior has the potential to be a big addition for the Utes. Smith has long wanted to utilize two bigs in his lineup but hasn't been able to do it for a multitude of reasons. Baxter is still limited in play, but it's clear he could be a difference maker.
Baxter has potential to be an X-factor for Utah in his ability to provide another big body in the post next to Brandon Carlson, but can provide a physical scorer that also provides some finesse with his hook shots. On Wednesday, Baxter only played five minutes but had 5 points, which included a 3-pointer and a hook-shot jumper.
Also returning from injury was Holt, who suffered a torn ACL last season. The guard provided a quick step to the small-ball unit and a consistent player all around. He finished with 12 points, which included a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, three rebounds and two steals.
Welcome to the new guys
In the first look of the new talent on the roster, Utah appears to have made some upgrades. It's still early and there's a lot of raw talent yet to be tapped, but it's a good sign for Utah.
Ben Carlson and Saunders appear to be the most complete additions to the team, which should come as no surprise since both have Division I experience — to say nothing of Baxter should he be able to see more minutes as the season progresses.
As for Exacte and Keita (Luka Tarlac was out as a precaution for an undisclosed injury), it's clear the talent is there, but experience will be a big factor to bring the two players along. If either or both can figure some things out this season, Utah has some athletic players that can be real game changers.
The pair combined for 13 points and eight rebounds, though Exacte had a rough night shooting the ball (0-of-5 from the floor and 0-of-4 from behind the arc) and had all his points from the free-throw line. Keita was perfect from the field (3-of-3) and had some quality looks in 14 minutes of action, but his game remains raw.
