Asked whether he felt strong emotions bringing the Runnin' Utes back to the NCAA Tournament, Larry Krystkowiak said he might on Thursday but so far, there's been little time for feelings.
"This may be as in-depth of a scout as we've possibly had all year in a short period of time," he said. "I haven't been caught up too much in the soft side and the emotion of the thing. It's been more the meat and potatoes, trying to get this thing ready to go."
Utah (24-8) feels as ready as it can be with a short turnaround for Stephen F. Austin (29-4). The two tip off Thursday at 5:27 p.m. MDT.
While the Utes have emerged as winners this year, the Lumberjacks are 61-7 in the past two seasons. That much success, coach Brad Underwood said, gives his team a little extra "swagger."
"We have a term: We want 'everyday' guys, and we're going to show up and work hard every single day," he said. "But [winning] gives you confidence. We don't get rattled, up, down, whatever."
Bonded to the Trail Blazers
While the NCAA Tournament mandates a short, public practice, Utah's "real" practice took place Wednesday morning.
When Krystkowiak was looking for a Portland-area venue to house his team, he decided to call his old boss: Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. Stotts led the Milwaukee Bucks when Krystkowiak was his assistant. The current Utes coach eventually succeeded Stotts.
As it turned out, the Blazers' practice facility was available.
"I think it was cool to see the kids roll in there and do their thing," Krystkowiak said. "It's really one of the nicer facilities in the country. It's cool to see the stuff up on their walls, the culture they've built here over the years."
Many media were interested in Delon Wright's connections to the Blazers: His older brother Dorell Wright is a forward on the roster. Delon said playing on his brother's home court "not too much of a big deal," but he said Dorell Wright had offered him advice going into Thursday.
"He told me to continue playing, you know, the way I am, to be more aggressive," he said. "Just leave it all on the court, because this is my last go-around."
Ogbe likely out
In Utah's public afternoon practice, sophomore Kenneth Ogbe was on the bench in street clothes as a nonparticipant.
The German has missed five consecutive games since reaggravating a groin injury in midseason. He attempted to practice last week in Las Vegas before the Pac-12 Tournament, but said he hurt himself further.
It's unknown when he will be able to return.
"This may be as in-depth of a scout as we've possibly had all year in a short period of time," he said. "I haven't been caught up too much in the soft side and the emotion of the thing. It's been more the meat and potatoes, trying to get this thing ready to go."
Utah (24-8) feels as ready as it can be with a short turnaround for Stephen F. Austin (29-4). The two tip off Thursday at 5:27 p.m. MDT.
While the Utes have emerged as winners this year, the Lumberjacks are 61-7 in the past two seasons. That much success, coach Brad Underwood said, gives his team a little extra "swagger."
"We have a term: We want 'everyday' guys, and we're going to show up and work hard every single day," he said. "But [winning] gives you confidence. We don't get rattled, up, down, whatever."
Bonded to the Trail Blazers
While the NCAA Tournament mandates a short, public practice, Utah's "real" practice took place Wednesday morning.
When Krystkowiak was looking for a Portland-area venue to house his team, he decided to call his old boss: Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. Stotts led the Milwaukee Bucks when Krystkowiak was his assistant. The current Utes coach eventually succeeded Stotts.
As it turned out, the Blazers' practice facility was available.
"I think it was cool to see the kids roll in there and do their thing," Krystkowiak said. "It's really one of the nicer facilities in the country. It's cool to see the stuff up on their walls, the culture they've built here over the years."
Many media were interested in Delon Wright's connections to the Blazers: His older brother Dorell Wright is a forward on the roster. Delon said playing on his brother's home court "not too much of a big deal," but he said Dorell Wright had offered him advice going into Thursday.
"He told me to continue playing, you know, the way I am, to be more aggressive," he said. "Just leave it all on the court, because this is my last go-around."
Ogbe likely out
In Utah's public afternoon practice, sophomore Kenneth Ogbe was on the bench in street clothes as a nonparticipant.
The German has missed five consecutive games since reaggravating a groin injury in midseason. He attempted to practice last week in Las Vegas before the Pac-12 Tournament, but said he hurt himself further.
It's unknown when he will be able to return.
