This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Runnin' Utes return most of their starters from last year's 21-12 team, and add to that bunch their most highly touted recruiting class in recent years.
Theoretically, they're ready for the spotlight.
Either way, the spotlight will be on them.
The Pac-12 released teams 2014-15 basketball schedules on Monday evening, and Larry Krystkowiak's group scored seven games on ESPN or ESPN2, three on Fox Sports One, and six on ESPNU. All other games will be televised on Pac-12 Networks.
By comparison, last year the Utes had three games on Fox Sports One, two on ESPNU and one on CBS Sports Network. In Utah's first three years in the Pac-12, it has had just five games televised on ESPN, and the total of 13 is its most ever, eclipsing the 12 from 1999-2000 and 2003-04.
The nonconference schedule, dates for which were already known, includes road games against San Diego State (Nov. 18, 2 p.m., ESPN), BYU (Dec. 10, 7 p.m., ESPNU), Kansas (Dec. 13, 1:15 p.m., ESPN) and UNLV (Dec. 20, 9:30 p.m., ESPN2) and a home game against Wichita State (Dec. 3, 8 p.m., ESPN2).
The conference slate opens Jan. 1 against USC at the Huntsman Center (8 p.m., ESPNU). Other popular telecasts include: 8 p.m. Jan. 15 at Arizona State on Fox Sports One; 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at UCLA on ESPN2; 1 p.m. Feb. 22 at Oregon on Fox Sports One; 8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 vs. Arizona State on Fox Sports One; and TBD Feb. 28 vs. Arizona on ESPN/ESPN2.
Utah will also host three Sunday games in conference play: 1 p.m. Jan. 4 against UCLA, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 25 against Washington and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 against Cal.
— Matthew Piper
Twitter: @matthew_piper