[BleedsRedUte]

I think Harlan better be in complete control of finding and hiring the new MBB coach, because his job may depend on it. He has not shown a great ability to evaluate and hire coaches for Ute athletics so far.

If he doesn’t hit a home run with this hire, then we are in for another 5 years of mediocre MBB. I would fire him if we aren’t competive right off the start, and near the top 5 in conference after two years.

Yes, the timing of the Smith firing was terrible, if in fact he did not have a great candidate lined up already.

Harlan also has another important decision to make for WBB, in hiring the next coach. The pressure is on Harlan and if it were me I would take all that boosters, etc., have to offer in advice, but it would be my decision alone who to hire. That is what he gets paid the big bucks to accomplish.

[BleedsRedUte]

I think Loverings mechanics are actually pretty good and he shoots it fairly straight, as evidenced by his bank shots (accidental?) falling sometimes. He has very strong arms and hands, which is a good thing in general for rebounding, catching and passing, etc. Just not good touch in harnessing that strength for shooting.

IMHO, if he stood further back from the basket and did everything the same, his percentage would improve. Start practicing a foot back, foot and a half, two foot, until he finds a sweet spot. I have seen quite a few players that used this method.

I think he hits the back of the rim most often, and is hardly ever short. My two cents.

But yes, I think it is true that the Utes, who are playing pretty good defense, would have a few more wins if they could have hit foul shots a higher percentage of the time. Even Ausar has improved and it is making a difference.

[BleedsRedUte]

I think that any new basketball venue must have acreage dedicated to parking adjacent to the building. If they cater to the fans by getting them to the game without the contant worry of getting a parking space and then being able to exit the venue without spending an hour slowly creeping out, the fans will come.

Yes, they need to field at least a competitive team that doesn’t dwell at the bottom of the league, but I’ve always thought twice about attending games when the planning starts with where to park.

[BleedsRedUte]

An away game at UCLA is going to be a good test of what the Utes have rebuilt after last season. UCLA has not been great, but are solid name program to go against.

Was really down in the dumps after that losing streak and QB merry go round of 2024, but for some reason I am getting into seeing what Dampier and the new OC bring to the ailing Offense.

The Spring game is going to be interesting, even if it is pretty vanilla in play calling.
Hope springs eternal.

[BleedsRedUte]

I think the reason Dawes was not playing as much was mainly his defense. He was a little slow afoot in sliding left or right to stay in front of an opponent. I think coach Smith’s emphasis has been on who plays hard and with some skill on defense. Lohner and Keller have seen playing time because of their defense, as well as rebounding. They are not a great threat on offense.

Dawes can certainly improve his defense with practice and maturity of his tall body.

[BleedsRedUte]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! Here’s to a surprisingly good coming year in U athletics!!
Go Utes!

[BleedsRedUte]

Too bad. I didn’t know he was 1 and done.

[BleedsRedUte]

I gave hims four stars! I just read his bio on wiki and this is all I am going on. I am a positive thinker, and expect he will bring some exciting new blood to the Offense.

Beck is pretty much a proven commodity. He has been successful in coaching QBs, and most recently in directing the offense at a college level school.

What remains to get him to 5 stars for the Utes is to show he recognizes and recruits Offensive talent in other O coaches, and in players especially at QB and the other skill positions, also that he has an Offensive scheme/plan that is successful in the Big12, and he is a dynamic play caller.

A lot to hope for.

Now, I hope the question of who is HC going forward is announced soon so we can recruit and get ready for next season.

[BleedsRedUte]

I think Pepa was developing into one of our main run stoppers. His size and agility will be hard to replace.

[BleedsRedUte]

Thanks for the link. Have to admit I didn’t read all the details before. Scalley must be a very patient guy to agree on a possible wait time of several seasons.

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