This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
When everyone was asking if Kyle Kuzma, who had missed his last two games with a sprained ankle, would be ready to go, coach Larry Krystkowiak had another question creeping in the back of his mind.
What about David Collette?
Both of Utah's junior forwards in the starting lineup were limited in practice and at least partially in doubt this week due to injury, although Collette's didn't hit the public radar until the game on Sunday: He collided with Tyler Rawson in Thursday's practice, and had to go through concussion protocol.
Fortunately for the Utes, neither Kuzma nor Collette seemed to be suffering lingering effects of their injuries. The duo combined for 28 points and 15 rebounds in the 76-60 win over Colorado.
"It's always kind of tough missing two or three days of practice right before a game," Collette said. "Luckily it wasn't too bad, so I was able to focus in from the sideline and get everything done from there."
Kuzma was a late decision, but warmed up normally — Krystkowiak said only a week before, his ankle had looked "all black and blue."
Kuzma said he wasn't 100 percent, but his alley-oop dunk on a pass from Sedrick Barefield belied that fact. Krystkowiak relished that his two top-scoring big men were able to play their second game together.
"We need a low-post threat," he said. "Every good team has gotta have a low-post threat."
No suits, no sweat
Utah's coaching staff has been quietly making a fashion statement.
Instead of ties this season, Krystkowiak and crew have been wearing matching ensembles of polos, sweatshirts, jackets and pants — which stands out when most coaches wear ties in the sport. Krystkowiak himself has donned the suit-and-tie get-up in years past, famously wearing a red corduroy jacket in games against BYU.
But a new year has apparently given favor to a new standard: comfort over formality.
"What other sport puts a suit and tie and buttons? Have you seen me sweating and blowing buttons and everything?" he said. "I've always wanted to be a baseball coach or a football coach and be able to wear sweats. Why would you put a suit and tie on to be indoors when it's always 75 degrees?"
Krystkowiak added that administration hasn't complained, so neither is he. He also said the staff looks unified as opposed to having a best-dressed contest, "which DeMarlo [Slocum] always won."
Moment of silence for passings
The Runnin' Utes honored two Utah icons with a moment of silence on Sunday afternoon prior to tipping off: BYU football coach LaVell Edwards and former Ute Walt Simon.
Simon was an All-WAC player for the Utes in 1968, and went on to be an NBA draft pick of the Seattle SuperSonics. He was father to Arizona player Miles Simon, who won a championship at Arizona and went on to the NBA as well.
Edwards authored many Utah defeats at nearby Rice-Eccles Stadium, but was revered within the state as a football innovator and a mentor. He coached several members of Utah's coaching staff in their playing careers, including head coach Kyle Whittingham.
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