With fewer than a dozen practices behind them, the Runnin' Utes are still getting to know one another. So far, the meet and greet sessions on and off the court are going well.

The Utes are dedicating a few minutes out of every practice to scrimmages so the players and coaches can become familiar with one another's habits.

"We are trying to get to know these guys and let them play," Utah coach Jim Boylen said. "We recruit them, but we are still learning about them and they are learning the system here and how our defense is a priority and learning to respect each other and respect the program."

Boylen said he is encouraged by what he has seen so far.

"It's a hard-hat, lunch pail type team," he said. "The whole team has tendinitis, which could be perceived as a bad thing or a good thing. I see it as a good thing because it means a lot of guys are working hard in the gym. If you feel great every day in this business you probably are not working hard enough."

Work hasn't been an issue with this year's squad as it was with last year's team, Boylen said.

"The cool breeze, casual stuff hasn't worked real well in this system," he said. "I like the way these guys work."

Boylen said he hasn't settled on a starting lineup yet but plans to play nine players.

"What that rotation is and how it takes shape we haven't determined," he said.

Center David Foster said the team is gelling together well.

"Even the new guys coming in are showing signs of leadership and accountability," he said. "It's great to have that established on the team."

What last year?

Last year wasn't exactly a season to remember, with the Utes finishing 14-17 overall and just 7-9 in the MWC. The disappointing season ended in rocky fashion with Marshall Henderson (Texas Tech), Carlon Brown (Colorado), Matt Read (Lubbock Christian) and Jordan Cyphers (Tennessee State) all leaving the program.

It's a season apparently none of the six returning players want to relive either as they and Boylen all declined to answer questions about last year during Tuesday's media day.

"Last year is over," Boylen said.

Last year was marred by players' worrying too much about their own stats and not playing together as a team. The team has put it upon themselves to not replicate that distraction this year, center Jason Washburn said.

"We don't want to talk too much about last year," Washburn said. "But as far as this season goes the great thing about this team so far is we haven't had too many guys worry about their individual stats. We all made a commitment this summer we'd all put our individual problems or issues behind us when we step on the court together and we've all bought into that. No one questioned it or gone back on their word so we haven't had to worry about that too much."

Aches and pains

Foster has been hampered with tendinitis in his left knee. Mindful of the long season ahead, Boylen said he plans to limit Foster's minutes early, but also wants to make sure Foster gets enough minutes to continue his development.

lwodraska@sltrib.com —

Upcoming games

Nov. 5 • Adams State, 7 p.m. (exhibition)

Nov. 12 • Grand Canyon, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17 • Montana, 7 p.m.

Nov. 20 • Weber St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 24 • at Utah St., 7 p.m.

Nov. 27 • Oral Roberts, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 • Fresno St., 7 p.m.

All times Mountain