[FountainofUte]

It’s funny. I want Big 10 for Utah for a number of reasons that we all share: Money, prestige, access and attractiveness to the best recruits, academic connections for the U, etc.

But what I really want is to be reconnected to the Western Four in the B1G. Somewhere I saw a rendering of a suggested B1G western pod that would include those four plus Utah and Stanford. I want this more than anything and know of its unlikelyhood in the immediate future, and quite possibly ever.

The Big 12 has always been the “Marriage of Convenience” conference. And I am feeling that in spades since we joined. They think they’re united, yet that are some of the most insecure and small d— energy schools I’ve seen from the old P5 ranks. The difference between the old PAC schools and the rest of the Big 12 is so obvious to me.

The PAC teams know who they are and know they belong. The rest of that conference (the old B12 leftovers and the mid-major additions) are constantly threatened. It’s amazing how much Utah makes them squirm just because we’re proud of who we are and know what we’re capable of in spite of a rough stretch of mbb and fb. We know we’re rebounding in both and they HATE that we know it. They hate that we think we can eventually make the B1G and want that for our institution. No, we’re not just “happy to be here.” If there’s something bigger than what we have, we’re going to shoot for it.

Anyway, the rumor was obviously too good to be true. In the meantime, Utah needs to get its crap back together in the two money sports.

[FountainofUte]

I’m with you. Far from bummed but also not “Holy cow! Wow!” yet. But the additions so far seem like a very positive step in the right direction. For the first time in nearly a decade I’m hopeful for the future of mbb. And just that alone is a nice feeling and a nice change. It’s been pretty grim for a while.

[FountainofUte]

I thought I read or heard somewhere that Ezra IS in the portal.

[FountainofUte]

This is great news! Congrats to Dawes and AJ.

[FountainofUte]

I feel that some Ute fans have made a boogeyman out of Ryan Smith. He’s not the head of the snake. If you removed every penny he donates to BYU you’d still have the same problem.

So, boycott the Jazz and UHC. If you’re into those at all you’re kinda only spiting yourself.

Yes, NIL could be problematic for the U. It kinda is what it is. I think we’ll compete okay, but we can’t keep up with the deepest pockets in the NCAA.

[FountainofUte]

Like was mentioned above, they altered some rules to allow Bogut to qualify. I don’t know which ones or in what way. I will say, I think it’s arguable that Bogut is the best player that’s ever passed through our program.

He was an unstoppable force AS A SOPHOMORE! Had he stayed four years like Van Horn, he would have smashed every record we have. As it is, he left as the Naismith and Wooden players of the year AND the number 1 draft pick. No question they should have found a way to retire his number.

As for any personal views or beliefs, I don’t know what you’re referring to. But his inclusion among the retired numbers is no scandal in my book. Like I say, even after watching Van Horn and Miller with my own eyes, I’m not sure Bogut wasn’t arguably better than both. Certainly he was the best of the three as a soph. And after that it’s just speculation.

I was a little young to have seen Vranes or Chambers at the U. I only watched Chambers in the NBA and can only imagine what it would have been like to watch him in crimson and white.

[FountainofUte]

Yeah, hard to argue that point. I don’t want Utah to become cannon fodder instead of a real competitor. Still, how many critics of Utah (so many of them 40 miles south of us) said we’d be nothing more than Washington State or the AZ schools in the PAC-12.

I know we’ll never be USC or Ohio State, but I DO think so much of what has held Utah back in the past is being relegated, whether in the WAC or even in the Big 12 in a P2 world. When we’re put on the same plane as the biggest brands, Utah rises above expectation. We make the most out of what we get from opportunity and money.

[FountainofUte]

Regarding “being difficult”…

I’ll be honest, I’m not even sure what this means. Like, an agent being stubborn? A family member not wanting Andre to make that change?

Can any more light than this be shed?

[FountainofUte]

I agree and disagree. I think there are probably available players out there who, if given 30 minutes a game, could get 16/12 also. I trust Jensen and staff to know who’s the better buy — KD or someone new.

[FountainofUte]

KD is one of the few guys I hope not to lose, but there is no one on this roster that is not easily replaceable except G Madsen (yes, he’s graduating).

I would not overpay for KD. He’s nice, but there are 1000 kids like him. If he doesn’t want to be at the U that bad, some other kid who can score 8pts a game will.

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