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Utah's big man depth could use a boost when Jakob Poeltl comes off the floor, and it just so happens that the Utes are bringing in a four-star center in late December.
When the Utes signed Jayce Johnson, a California 7-footer, last month, the announced plan was to redshirt him so he could start his clock next fall. That still might be the plan, but Larry Krystkowiak now is leaving the door open on the possibility that he could play this season — with plenty of qualifiers, of course.
"That's actually something that's gonna stay within our circle, between the Johnson family and our coaching staff," he said Monday. "There's variables that are certainly involved with that, a number of variables that don't need to be expressed publicly. He needs get here, start practice, get acclimated, but I think it's something that we can certainty entertain."
Of Utah's signees, Johnson had the highest rating among recruiting services. He hopped through different high schools throughout his career, but truly impressed on the AAU circuit when he faced five-star center Thon Maker and, in Krystkowiak's own words from his coach's show, "kicked his butt."
Poeltl is widely expected to declare early for the NBA Draft next spring, where he could be a lottery pick. Johnson is seen as a player who will help fill his shoes.
His father, Jay Johnson, confirmed to the Tribune that his son was bypassing financial aid that would've kept him off the court for sure this spring, and that the possibility Johnson could play early is on the table.
But that discussion is likely a long way from being resolved. The coaching staff is waiting to bring Johnson in to evaluate his readiness: physically and mentally.
"It's the furthest thing from my mind in terms of getting excited that somebody is going to be a part of it right away," Krystkowiak said. "I don't think that's fair to Jayce if you suggest that is gonna be the case, but I think 'flexibility' might be the biggest word."
Johnson wrapped up his finals last week, and is anticipating graduating with a 4.0 GPA. He's an NCAA academic pre-qualifier, according to his father, so once the NCAA receives his transcript and proof of graduation, he's cleared.
He's hoping to join Utah by Dec. 21. Once he's there, the coaching staff will determine how close he is to contributing. If he needs time, he can redshirt as planned. If he can help the Utes, and if he wants to play, that might be an option as well.
"It's like everything you do in business: You're trying to seek a win-win situation," Krystkowiak said. "If it's a situation when the time comes that Jayce could help our team, and it's a win for him and a win for us, then we certainly would do it, but it's too early to make a guess as to how it's going to play out."
Wichita roster closer to full strength
Krystkowiak knows better than to trust Wichita State's 3-4 record. On his ESPN 700 radio show on Monday, he called it a "mirage."
The truer picture of Wichita State may have come Saturday, when they scored a 68-53 win over St. Louis at home. Even a not-fully-up-to-speed Fred Van Vleet, the star senior point guard, had 11 points, 7 assists and changed the Shocker offense for the better.
"Obviously he's a true point guard and really good with the ball in his hands," Ron Baker said in an interview with The Tribune. "Our spacing was a lot better, and we gave Fred room to work."
The Wichita Eagle reported that Anton Grady, who suffered a frightening spinal injury at the team's tournament in Orlando, has rejoined team activities but has no timetable set for his return. The Shockers are also hoping Conner Frankamp, a guard transfer from Kansas, will be set for the team's Dec. 9 game against UNLV.
Twitter: @kylegoon —
Utah at Wichita St.
P Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
TV • ESPN2