Nothing has Changed Really…

[The Miami Ute]

More than six minutes left in the 1st half and already have seven turnovers…

[Kellso]

Yes, they still don’t value possession. AZ’s O rebounding is a problem too.

[NashvilleUteFan]

It’s amazing really that we’ve managed to win 7 conference games when we can’t make free throws, miss more layups than any team I’ve ever seen, and turn it over 15-20 times a game. Announcer said we missed 7 layups in the first half. How is that even possible?

[Yergensen]

KD finally unleashed.

[GameForAnyFuss]

Did we really expect things to change? We still have the caliber of players that we were willing to pay for last offseason.

Getting rid of Craig was not suddenly going to improve the quality of our guards or turn the boys into stellar free throw shooters.

This will take time and money.

[AlohaUte]

The team is what it is. They’ve definitely over performed and that reflects well, but they are very flawed. The free throw thing is inexcusable.

Nothing will change this season. The hope is that the new coach will put the team on the right trajectory.

Parenthetical, I’ll add, I wonder if CBB teams will consider what North Carolina is doing in CFB which is essentially creating an NFL style organization and front office? Maybe Utah with this new hire should consider an NBA model of running the basketball program?

[Minnesota Ute]

Yeah, I think that’s correct. With NIL system and the transfer portal, it’s essentially unlimited free agency every year without contracts. So you almost need to think about it that way and manage it as a business. Which is another place I think Craig went wrong, you have to treat the players like adults at a minimum, if not outright professionals. Because you can no longer hold the sitting out over their head; they can leave for the highest bidder OR the one that provides he best opportunity/environment. You are no longer out there trying to convince a kids to come to your school, you are out there hiring employees that hold all the cards.

[AlohaUte]

I can’t wait for there to be a new governance model for college sports. It’s the wild west right now.

[EagleMountainUte]

I hope you didn’t expect anything to change.

[The Miami Ute]

I was being ironic for the most part. I noticed a few people on the site, after Smith got fired, saying words to the effect of “watch the team play better now.” Not gonna happen…and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Utah lose every game remaining on their schedule.

[EagleMountainUte]

I think if you compare the programs of Boylen Larry K etc. you can see a common thread of pride in something more. Utah may not always have the best in the nation talent. But many times you have talent that can elevate itself through coaching and a core message.

Majerus with all of his quirks he had a program that inspired pride in players. Coach Whitt and Urban same thing. They create a program that has something more than just what’s in it for me.

This probably goes without saying but I would say you could see the idea of Runnin’ Utes basketball slowly fade into nothing. I felt like Larry K did the best at trying to stop it. It’s why many of us gray haired people who grew up watching great basketball on the hill desire a return with Jensen or Miller.

Long winded reply Miami. I was mostly busting your chops. I think most of us have zero expectations for this team. Even though I would say Craig Smith exceeded them in the W column this season. Everything else is dogs**t though.

[Minnesota Ute]

Uh, not so fast…

You know what changed? Keanu played 26 minutes which was the most he’s played all season. What did he do with that opportunity? 6 of 8 shooting (75%) including 1 of 2 from 3pt; 100% from the ft line 5 for 5; 10 rebounds including 2 offensive; 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover and 18 points. Game Score of 18.2 (almost double the next person) and BPM of 21.8 (7 higher than the next closest).

Everybody else sucked ass. Compare his line to Ezra, who played 37 min to score the same points taking 9 more shots to do it, while only collecting 5 rebounds.

After looking at that, all sympathy that I had for Craig is gone. I hope to hell Keanu plays a lot in the last few games and sticks around for next year now that Craig is out. He is going to be very good. He kind of reminds me of Kuzma a little.

[The Miami Ute]

Well, he’s a local kid of sorts, so I do hope he stays once the season is over. I can see some similarities with Kuzma but he’s nowhere the ball handler that Kuzma was.

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