This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Last season, Larry Krystkowiak was a prisoner of his own roster.
The majority of college basketball coaches love depth. They love to have options, and the ability to make adjustments, if needed.
Krystkowiak, and Utah, had none of that last season.
If Jiggy Watkins was playing horribly, Krystkowiak had to deal with it. If Jason Washburn wasn't getting the job done inside, there wasn't another guy with his size that could step up. This blog can go on, but the point is pretty much clear already.
That dynamic of the Utah Utes is bound to change this season. There are point guards. There are shooting guards and small forwards. There are big men why height and size that can give fouls and become interchangeable pieces.
"The competition is good," Krystkowiak said. "We have versatile guys who can play more than one position. We have a hammer now. If somebody isn't getting it done, we can go to someone on the bench."
Krystkowiak was clear. He thinks competition will make his team better. Guys are playing hard, and guys are less hesitant to take plays and possessions.
That could make for a better Utah team this season than the one of 2011.
Tony Jones