Utah Preview Capsule

Utah Preview Capsule

By The Associated Press=

Utah

Last season: 26-9, lost in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Nickname: Utes.

Coach: Larry Krystkowiak

Conference: Pac-12

Key returners: Jakob Poeltl, the 7-foot, 235-pound sophomore center was considered by many to be a potential first-round pick in the 2015 NBA draft. The Austrian is young in his basketball career, but is expected to be one of the better centers in the Pac-12 and a double-double machine. Brandon Taylor, the 5-10, 167-pound point guard, is a senior leader who often controls the pace of the offense. He's an undersized scorer who worked to add range during the offseason. Senior forward Jordan Loveridge will also have an increased role.

Who left: Delon Wright was drafted No. 20 overall by the Toronto Raptors after leading the Utes in points, assists, steals and minutes. Center Dallin Bachynski's departure takes some size and physicality out of the Utah rotation.

The Skinny: The Utes are trying to build off their first trip to the NCAA Tournament since the 2008-09 season. Delon Wright is gone to the NBA, but Krystkowiak has established a program and transfer Lorenzo Bonam is expected to be a significant contributor.