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Since joining http://bit.ly/1O4M15Q";>the Runnin' Utes last December, Jayce Johnson has been trying to be patient.

He gained more than 10 pounds lifting in the weight room. He added more balance to his post moves, an area that needed refining. He's had a chance to learn more of Utah's plays, and get feedback on scheme from coaches.

And now the wait for Johnson — and the Utah basketball fans who have been anxious to see him — is nearly ended.

"I'm really excited," he said. "I can't wait. This has been my dream to be able to play on a big stage like this."

Johnson is one of a dozen Utes who didn't play in a game for the team last season that will get his first public look during Night With The Runnin' Utes, tipping off Tuesday at 6:45. The exhibition will air on Pac-12 Networks and ESPN 700 AM.

Among Utah's returners are junior forward Kyle Kuzma and senior guard Lorenzo Bonam, http://bit.ly/2akhyTU";>but just about everyone else is new — making for an exhibition worth catching for those wondering how Utah basketball will look this season.

Players like Jojo Zamora, a junior transfer from Yuba College, are fighting for significant roles. Coach Larry Krystkowiak http://bit.ly/2d7mw89";>said after a recent practice that junior college players, Zamora and Tyler Rawson in particular, had impressed him. But Zamora said he's just been worried about trying to get everything straight about his new program, teammates and coaches.

"It's starting to form up," Zamora said. "It took a while. I'm just now getting used to everything. Coming from JuCo, there weren't as many rules or anything. Here, it's all about attention to detail."

The exhibition will include an autograph session starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Huntsman Center, a dunk contest, and a half-court shooting contest for students for a chance to win $7000.

Utah starts its season on Nov. 12 at home against Northwest Nazarine.

kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon