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Pullman, Wash. • When David Collette didn't practice on Tuesday, Jayce Johnson had an inkling that his fifth career start might be on its way.
"I started preparing my mindset to give my team a chance to win," Johnson said. "I had to get out there and do my best."
Collette missed the trip to Washington State for Wednesday's game after symptoms resurfaced from a concussion he suffered in practice the week before the start of Pac-12 play. Collette hadn't missed any games from the injury before sitting out against the Cougars.
Utah hopes the junior forward — the team's leading scorer entering the day at 14.9 points per game and shooting 62 percent from the field — will return for Saturday's game at Washington.
Runnin' Utes head coach Larry Krystkowiak said he's not rushing the process.
"We'll see how he's responding and if he clears all the protocols," he said. "It's not just as clear as saying, 'I'm ready to go.' It's serious stuff, and we're looking out for him. If he improves, maybe we'll see him in Seattle."
Since becoming eligible, Collette has been invaluable to Utah's offensive attack: He's scored at least 11 points in nine games, shooting .500 or above in each appearance.
Johnson was 4 for 7, totaling nine points and five rebounds in 23 minutes and had only two fouls. One of his biggest struggles has been staying out of foul trouble.
"He's growing, he's developing," Krystkowiak said. "He wants to be full-throttle all the time. That's the part he's trying to develop. It's just going to take some reps."
Tyler Rawson responded to increased minutes scoring 9 points for his highest output of Pac-12 play and making five free throws (off seven attempts).
Krystkowiak said he had been told it is "common" for concussion symptoms to resurface some time after head injuries.
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