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Even as he grows his coaching staff, Utah men's basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak's roster of players could be dwindling.
Krystkowiak, who added Westminster College coach Tommy Connor to his staff Friday and was in the process of interviewing Andy Hill, his previous assistant at Montana, also granted a release to guard J.J. O'Brien.
O'Brien, who started 21 games, averaging 6.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 18.6 minutes as a freshman, said in a statement that he wants to explore his options but hasn't decided if he is definitely leaving the Utes.
"After talking with 'Coach K,' I am confident this could still be the best place for me, and I would love to remain a Runnin' Ute," he said in the statement.
"But in order to assure that this is right for me, I need to at least look at other options and make an informed decision."
Earlier in the week, leading scorer Will Clyburn (17.1 points, 7.8 rebounds) was granted a release and given the same possibility to return to the Utes, if he desires.
Knowing there might be players who want to transfer, Krystkowiak said he wouldn't prevent them from looking elsewhere, but he hopes by giving them the freedom to explore their options, they'll return.
"As much as I want everyone to stay, it gets down to guys and their circumstances," Krystkowiak said. "Hopefully, by the time the semester is over and the implications of having to sit out a year sink in and they get to know the staff, that piece of paper is just a formality and that wanting to leave ends."
Clyburn, of Detroit, has plans to visit Iowa State. O'Brien, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was heavily recruited by San Diego State and Creighton out of high school.
Krystkowiak isn't sure if other players will ask for releases.
"If I don't sign the paper, they'll just appeal, and it goes on for a couple more weeks and that doesn't do anyone any good," Krystkowiak said. "I want these guys here desperately, and signing that piece of paper was one of the hardest things I've done, but it's not like I am encouraging anyone to leave. Hopefully, once we get to know each other, it will give us a better chance of keeping them around."
The date to renew financial aid is July 1, although Krystkowiak could implement his own deadline for the players' decisions. Basketball's regular signing period for the 2011-12 academic year is Wednesday through May 18.
The Utes have signed George Matthews, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound wing out of Phoenix, and they have Josh Sharp, a 6-foot-7, 185-pound forward, returning from his church mission.
Adding Connor to his staff is a move Krystkowiak hopes will help the Utes make recruiting inroads in Utah.
Connor, a previous Utah assistant under Rick Majerus, has built the Westminster program into a winner during the past 12 seasons, going 264-114 and winning seven of the past 10 Frontier Conference titles.
"I had a great job, and I am lucky to be in the position where I had a choice," Connor said.
"At this point, it was the right move and right challenge. Coming back to Utah is a big challenge for me as a former coach and player, and I hope it helps the staff."
Tommy Connor file
• Former point guard for Utah (1986-88, 1990)
• Utah assistant coach (1994-97)
• Went 264-114 in 12 seasons as coach of Westminster College
• Has a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science
• Wife, Kathryn; hasa son, Jake, 14, and two daughters, Sydney, 12, and Cass, 9