I’m kinda torn on Lahat. I was bummed to see him enter the portal. And of course seeing a (probably cherry picked) video of him draining threes makes you wonder what could have been. At the same time, the times I DID see him on the court, he looked unusually lost for a guy that’s been in the program this long. He may actually be a player who’s greater potential lies in a smaller program. I’m not sure he’s the guy who’ll help us go toe to toe with Oregon 2-3 times a year. But if he comes back, I’d have zero problem with that. I assume CS can evaluate talent.
On a side note, Slocum hasn’t been gone that long. Would he have (positive) relationships with guys like Timmy and Lahat who’ve been around 3+ years?
I was listening to the Locked on Utes podcast last night and they mentioned that Slocum was the primary recruiter for Delon Wright, Sedrick Barefield, Donnie Tillman and a couple other of Utah’s better recruits. That’s exciting news.
I’ve noted earlier (here and/or on other sites) that keeping Lahat on the bench when 4 players fouled out against USC pretty much said Larry had no significant plans for him. But if he ever had significant playing time, he could develop. Seems to have some size.
I thought he took on a larger or higher level Assistant role at UNLV than he held at Utah. I do know his name was being tossed around for some HC openings so it’s great that he’s coming back.
I’d love for Smith to retain as many players as possible.
Watching our PAC-12 cohorts in the NCAA, the portal has worked really well for them. At one point I counted 4 out of USC’s guys on the court as transfers, one from UVU.
Recruiting the portal may be the true indicator of how we’ll do.
I’m hearing that Coach Smith has received a verbal from a sharp-shooting 7’2" wing from Bulgaria. He’s a devout Unitarian, loves salt-water taffy and the sweet pork burritos from Cafe Rio. You know his name.
