The Utes are still in the mix for West Jordan forward Jordan Loveridge, as originally reported by Collegiate Hoops, a recruiting development whose significance can not be understated for Larry Krystkowiak and his staff.

Utah is among a select group of schools that still holds Loveridge's interest. The Utes remain in the hunt with Weber State, BYU and Arizona, although Arizona has not officially offered. Loveridge has already told Colorado and Utah State, "Thanks, but no thanks."

"A big thing is the Pac-12," Bill Loveridge, Jordan's father, told The Tribune's Tony Jones. "That's a huge deal for us. And I think he'll have the chance to play and have an immediate impact up there."

Bill Loveridge said Jordan has established a good relationship with Utes assistant Tommy Connor, and that he will make his decision in the next month. BYU has long been considered a logical choice for Loveridge, but he has maintained that there is no favorite.

Loveridge is the state's top 2012 recruit, and is ranked No. 92 nationally by MaxPreps.com.

Simply remaining in the mix for Loveridge's services is a good sign for the Utes. Krystkowiak made the 6-foot-6 post player his first target after being hired in April. Say what you will about Krystkowiak's predecessors, but the fact is they struggled to recruit in-state stars. Krystkowiak, early on, identified that as a priority.

Landing a player of Loveridge's caliber would go a long way to re-establish a link between the Utes and Utah high schools.

— Bill Oram