If my feeble memory serves me correct, Rick has never spoken in the positive about a future team like next year's...
[From the DesNews]"Next year we'll be better," said Majerus. I haven't seen a quote from Rick but Deseret News uses this subheading ****Coach thinks his squad could reach Final Four again***
…He usually starts his sandbagging with the loss of John Grant, Keith Van Horn or Michael Doleac and it being a rebuilding season. At this time I would expect him talking about how devastating it will be without Andre. Haven't heard a lot but its early.
…Where has Shane Willis gone? In today's DN article and a few other statements Rick has made we haven't heard a generic or specific mention of his name....
[From the DesNews]"We have an outstanding JC point guard coming, in conjunction with a Prop. 48 guard, as well as a returned missionary who will help us. We'll be a deeper team. We'll be a much better team, at least by January or February."
How about his statement about the three recruits...
[From the DesNews] Nick Jacobson, a 6-4 guard from Minnesota; Chris Huber, a 6-1 guard from Bear River High; and Lance Allred, a 6-10 center from East High. The latter two are expected to go on LDS missions prior to playing with Utah, while Jacobsen has been called a "special player" by Majerus, one who could step in and play a lot of minutes.
…Allred and Huber are going on missions so this means Jacobsen.
[From the DesNews] Although Majerus will still emphasize defense and rebounding, he indicated the Utes may have a different offensive look next year. "We'll change our style of play," he said. "We'll miss Andre's rebounding, posting and draw and kick, but both our new point guards will be better shooters. We'll have more of a stretched offense. I'm looking forward to having Jeff Johnsen back. He'll fit in and he'll play for us."
…This sounds like less pounding the ball inside and more of a perimeter game?
[From the DesNews] He acted a little disappointed in how forward Hanno Mottola finished the season and says he expects more from him in his senior season. "Hanno will have to come back next year more committed to working on his body," he said. "He's going to stay in the States for the first time during the off season, and that will help him. Hanno has many fine qualities, but being a defender is not one of them. Hanno will have to address defense." Harvey may start at the off-guard position next year, or he could see action at point guard. Freshman Phil Cullen could compete for a starting spot next year if he bulks up during the off season.
…Think most of us will agree Hanno was not the complete player we thought he would be at the end of his Junior season. Reading between the lines it could be construed that Rick will use Phil Cullen and his potential to push Hanno some?
[From the DesNews] The Utes could be so deep next year that some players who saw a lot of playing time will see reduced minutes. For instance, Jeremy Killion, who started 32 games this year, may be coming off the bench, and players such as Adam Sharp and Tyson Johnston may be given the option of transferring if they're not content to be the 11th or 12th man next year.
…I've already updated the future Rosters page to list Tony Harvey as the starters at the 2 guard sport. This would support that.
…If Willis is out of the picture next year and Johnston transfers out, that would leave 2 spots open. It sounds like Rick is pretty sure about Slocum coming to Utah. Take a look at the bench next year-Guards Trent Whiting (or Colbert is Whiting starts), Jeremy Killion/Nick Jacobsen and forwards/center Jeff Johnson/Phil Cullen/Andy Slocum. Heck the second string could beat byu next year! Rick always wanted to have a deep team and now he gets his chance.
Utah Rick .
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