College Basketball

New look Utah aims to defy expectations

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:15 a.m. ET

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Only one full-time starter returns for Utah from last year's team that finished as the NIT runner-up. Three of the top four scorers graduated. It's a primary reason why Utah was picked to finish eighth in the Pac-12 preseason media poll.

Still, the Utes have created a habit of defying expectations under head coach Larry Krystkowiak. Utah has not finished lower than fourth in the Pac-12 since 2014. The Utes are more than ready to embrace an underdog role.

"I see it every day in practice," sophomore forward Donnie Tillman said. "This is the most competitive group there is. Most aggressive group I've ever seen."

Utah brought in several promising freshman and transfers who can contribute right away. Charles Jones Jr., a two-time NJCAA All-American, headlines the group. Jones scored 1,194 points in two seasons with the College of Southern Idaho and the 6-foot-2 guard ended up being a highly sought after junior college prospect.

Getting so many newcomers up to speed takes some extra work, but the coaching staff is embracing the challenge.

"There's an awful lot of teaching, but guys are flying around and are super competitive," Krystkowiak said. "It's fun."

Ultimately, the team's success may rest on how much progress returning contributors from last season can make in new or expanded roles.

Sedrick Barefield, the top returning scorer from a year ago, will see extended time at point guard this season. Barefield occupied the shooting guard spot alongside senior Justin Bibbins during the 2017-18 season. The 6-foot-2 senior emerged as one of Utah's most dangerous shooters, averaging 12.0 points per game while shooting 35.4 percent from 3-point range.

It's natural to assume Barefield will take on an increased scoring load in his final year. Barefield's focus, though, is centered on developing a stronger point guard mentality. He wants to get teammates more involved in the offense and be an extension of Krystkowiak on the floor.

Barefield spent the summer absorbing and trying to incorporate all the good things he saw Bibbins do last season.

"He made some amazing reads and some amazing plays," Barefield said. "Why wouldn't I watch him? He had a successful year. I definitely break down a lot of film on him and just try to learn from him, as well as other point guards, as much as possible."

Tillman and junior center Jayce Johnson will be expected to step up and fill the void in the front court.

Johnson showed flashes of being a strong post player last season. He averaged 5.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game, even while dealing with a lingering plantar fasciitis injury. Tillman emerged as Utah's sixth man as a rookie, chipping in 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds off the bench.

Other things to watch:

TRANSFER PIPELINE: The Utes have had considerable success blending junior college transfers and transfers from other Division I schools into the rotation under Krystkowiak. Jones and former Idaho State center Novak Topalovic are the latest transfers expected to play big roles.

Jones is capable of scoring in bunches on the wing. Topalovic will add some much needed defense and rebounding in the post. Krystkowiak noted that Topalovic made tremendous strides each season he played for the Bengals.

"It was a no-brainer for us," Krystkowiak said. "There were a lot of people who were hot after Novak. There's not that many big guys with experience that can play right away. It meant a lot to us that he chose our program."

BIG NAMES, BIG GAMES: Like many other teams around the country, Utah beefed up its nonconference schedule to sway the NCAA Tournament selection committee if the Utes end up being in position for a bid in March. Utah plays road games at Kentucky and Minnesota, participates in the Wooden Legacy over Thanksgiving weekend, and then hosts Nevada in late December.

YOUTH IS SERVED: Utah features just three seniors on its roster: Barefield, Topalovic, and Parker Van Dyke. Only Van Dyke has spent all four years with the Utes. He started 12 times last season and averaged 4 points in 18.6 minutes per game.

DEFENSE FIRST: The Utes set a high standard with team defense last season. They finished as the top defensive team in several categories in the Pac-12. Utah led the way in scoring defense (68.5 points per game) and field goal defense (41 percent). The Utes were second in 3-point field goal defense (33 percent) behind Washington.

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