What makes Utah mbb "back" to you?

[DataUte]

@operaman86

…being the dominant program in their league and winning championships every single year are over. That’s a freaking difficult league to manage. There are going to be more losses and likely fewer NCAA Tournament appearances, solely based upon the fact that their competition is much better, leading to more losses and not as good records. When your record isn’t as good, you’re not going to get at large berths, even though they will have more opportunities for better wins, which help your resume. So, in a year when they have a really good team (like this year) they’re likely going to get better seeds. But when they don’t, they’re going to struggle. Will Utah be able to compete with those teams? Yes probably. But dominate them like they did in yesteryear? I highly doubt it. It’s just not realistic

I think the Big16 could get 10, 11 teams in each year …

[HoopUte]

@Ma-ake

It’s not that dire for us and hoops,

I’m not so sure about that. For the SUU game there were fewer than 100 students in their sections by my count. Inexplicably, most of the season tickets go unused every game, with last Saturday the exception. My son used my seats, and told me that the seats next to them had been sold to Y fans. I told him they hadn’t been used by anybody in any earlier game.

They’re trying to make it a crazy atmosphere up there, but without crowd support it comes across as campy. (I can’t stand the PA guy’s overacted growls of, “Your Runnin’ Uuuuuttttesss!” and silly three calls or, “Money!” for a made FT, but that’s just me.) we need organic support in the seats, not fabricated showtime to get things fun in there again.

[concerned]

@sweetgrass

I don’t disagree with what you are saying, but a couple of points:

• would Krystko have been able to recruit and retain Wright, Kuzma and Poetl in todays NIL environment?

• Larry was coach at Utah for 10 years and produced 3 NBA players. Smith is on his 3rd year and may have 1 NBA talent. I’m no math major but that seems like the same trajectory.

• Although he didnt recruit them I think you have to give Smith credit for retaining and developing the two NBA players Smith had at USU, and the Utes Branden Carlson (who I believe has a chance to play at the next level).

I dont disagree with what you are saying eiher, my only point is that we dont have a roster that will bring Utah bb back, and it doesnt look to me as though that is changing anytime soon.

But if we are giving CS credit for keeping certain players, he also lost Pelle and Lazar, who starts for UCLA.

[sweetgrass]

Fair points. Clearly there is a wide spectrum of opinions about what would signify that Utah basketball is “back”. My reference is growing up during the Pimm and Archibald era. I’m sure that will differ/skew my expectations from those that are older or younger than me.

In a 10 year period, I think the minimum expectations for Utah should be making the tournament 5 out of 10 years, and a sweet sixteen 2 out of 10.

[UteBrave]

Larry K’s program had plateaued but he was a successful coach at Utah. Maybe it was time for him to move on, but they were competitive in the PAC with him as a coach. His teams played with a toughness, something Smith’s teams have lacked.

I agree, there is no point in comparing the current program to Majerus’ success, that was a long time ago and isn’t likely to happen again anytime soon.

The recruiting has been awful but perhaps that is being made up by the portal. Someone else said the portal seems to be bringing us role players instead of players who will make a difference, that seems to be the case.

I don’t expect Smith will match Larry K’s success but I hope I’m wrong.

[Carolina_Cycling_Ute]

I think I’m in the same boat as @sweetgrass about success, in that my expectations are the Pimm/Archibald era. Let’s get to the NCAA tourney more often than not, and advance more often than not, preferably to the Sweet 16 or further, but let’s get out of the 1st round.

In the intermediate term, let’s be successful and competitive in conference. It’s been awhile since I felt the men’s team could be thought of as competitive in the conference prior to the season starting. Now we hope that the men’s team is. I’d like that view to change.

[oldstandingUte]

@HoopUte

I’m not so sure about that. For the SUU game there were fewer than 100 students in their sections by my count. Inexplicably, most of the season tickets go unused every game, with last Saturday the exception. My son used my seats, and told me that the seats next to them had been sold to Y fans. I told him they hadn’t been used by anybody in any earlier game.

They’re trying to make it a crazy atmosphere up there, but without crowd support it comes across as campy. (I can’t stand the PA guy’s overacted growls of, “Your Runnin’ Uuuuuttttesss!” and silly three calls or, “Money!” for a made FT, but that’s just me.) we need organic support in the seats, not fabricated showtime to get things fun in there again.

Talking to admin people: students—hard to get them off their phones. they get free tickets, & they are trying to entice them with free food. As to empty season ticket seats, hard to explain. It is not for a lack of effort by Smith & his staff t o reach out to groups etc.

[mUUser]

@HoopUte

can’t stand the PA guy’s overacted growls of, “Your Runnin’ Uuuuuttttesss!” and silly three calls or, “Money!” for a made FT, but that’s just me.)

If you circulate a petition to have him replaced be happy to sign. He makes it tough for me to watch — sometimes just grit my teeth to get through it. I admit — it’s mostly a “me” problem.

[mUUser]

@sweetgrass

Smith is on his 3rd year and may have 1 NBA talent

I assume you’re talking about Carlson here. I’m surprised Madsen isn’t considered NBA talent. An athletic 6’6”guard that can shoot the three. I love this guys game.

[Kosh]

@concerned

When we recruit players who are potential NBA players. Our best player is an LK recruit. CS hasnt recruited anyone comparable even to LK’s last years, much less Poetl Kuzma or Wright (except maybe Keiba, depending on how much he develops). Until that changes, we wont be back. When that changes, everying else will follow.

P.s. Pelle scored 21 for Arizona on Saturday.

Mike Runge, we miss ya buddy

[HoopUte]

@mUUser

If you circulate a petition to have him replaced be happy to sign. He makes it tough for me to watch — sometimes just grit my teeth to get through it. I admit — it’s mostly a “me” problem.

I’m not sure it’s him, necessarily. I think he’s likely doing what they’ve asked him to do, so I don’t necessarily want him to lose his job. On the other side of that, though, I remember in his first year he used to make sure we knew his name when he closed things out. I didn’t think that was necessary at all.

I suppose that having cut my teeth listening to Chris Corey at the mic shaped what I expect from a college basketball arena announcer. Even when he almost got tossed from a game against USU by sarcastically pointing out several minutes into the 2nd half, “That’s the first team foul on the Aggies.” The lead ref came over and told him in no uncertain terms that if he did that again he’d be removed. Those were the days.

[FountainOfUte]

@mUUser

I assume you’re talking about Carlson here. I’m surprised Madsen isn’t considered NBA talent. An athletic 6’6”guard that can shoot the three. I love this guys game.

I assume it’s Keita. He’s nowhere near NBA ready, but he’s the only guy on the team who has NBA athleticism to build on. He just needs to match an NBA skillset to the physique. If he can develop a decent 3-ball, he’ll be in the Association 100%.

Carlson strikes me as an “overseas” guy, but one who could have a long career like Washburn.

[sweetgrass]

Yep Keita.

On the coaches show this week Smith mentioned he’s a huge fan of the weight room. Utah lifts before every practice. He said before coming here Keita didnt lift, and at first Keita hated the weight room. Now he loves it. Smith said the before and after pictures for Keita (last year vs. currently) are pretty remarkable. They also have him and others on a diet plan

I agree with FountainOfUte on Carlson, likely an oversees player, but maybe with a break he’ll make an NBA roster or G league.

[mUUser]

@HoopUte

I don’t necessarily want him to lose his job

Me either. Hyperbole, of course – just isn’t enjoyable.

[DataUte]

@sweetgrass

Yep Keita.

On the coaches show this week Smith mentioned he’s a huge fan of the weight room. Utah lifts before every practice. He said before coming here Keita didnt lift, and at first Keita hated the weight room. Now he loves it. Smith said the before and after pictures for Keita (last year vs. currently) are pretty remarkable. They also have him and others on a diet plan

I agree with FountainOfUte on Carlson, likely an oversees player, but maybe with a break he’ll make an NBA roster or G league.

Does Keita play TE, perchance?

[NewbombTurk]

@HoopUte

Even when he almost got tossed from a game against USU by sarcastically pointing out sever minutes into the 2nd half, “That’s the first team foul on the Aggies.”

I was there for that. That ref was a douchebag.

[RunninUte]

@mUUser

I feel like I just need to enjoy this year and not think about next year. We’re a senior heavy team and lose like 90 percent of our production this year. Next year could be rough again. When we’re young and good – you’ll know we’re back on track long term.

Facts there will be a lot of holes to fill.