Inbound play: Blame Larry all you want, but I saw two guys open.

Seriously. Simply a terribly executed play by Barefield at the worst possible time. Devin Daniels was wide open and should have been passed the ball. Incredibly stupid play by Barefield there. It literally cost them the game because if we inbound the ball, Oregon State has to foul and we are at the free throw line. Instead, they get the ball back withOUT us scoring and it gives them the game. Simply an incredibly terrible play.

This basketball team seems to have a low basketball IQ. They just don’t play smart basketball.

While poor decision making and head scratching shot selection late in games might point to the players, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Larry K’s teams have had systematic failures late in games since his arrival. With the exception of a senior heavy 2015-16 team Utah has been abysmal in games decided by 4 points or less under the current staff. Assuming my quick look back is decently accurate, the season break down is as follows…

2011-12: 3-3

2012-13: 2-6

2013-14: 1-8

2014-15: 2-3

2015-16: 5-2

2016-17: 1-4

Overall 14-26

Utah has invented ways to lose games over the past six seasons, it’s cost them a trip to the NCAA Tournament and if it doesn’t get cleaned up it could cost them an invite to the NIT…

I still put some of the blame on coach K.  I don’t think you have Barefield, a newcomer this year, handle the inbounds pass in that important situation.  

Bonam is the percentage choice.  He is a Senior, and has much more game experience.  I think it is this type of situational coaching that really separates average and above average coaches.