Utah Basketball: Early 2015-16 Outlook

By Taylor Sturm
Utah Utes Basketball
Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it’s the oft cited East Coast bias or the far more probable conclusion that the PAC-12 has recently taken a step behind conferences like the Big 12 and Big 10, not enough love has been shown over the past few seasons for the non-Arizona Wildcats programs out West.

However, the PAC-12 is back on track to be one of the better conferences in the nation, and the Utah Utes are part of the reason why.

Delon Wright is off to the NBA, but this team returns one of the most experienced rosters in the conference. Four of the team’s five leading scorers return, as do four of the five leading rebounders and four of the five leading passers. You get the point; this team returns everyone of importance except Wright.

Although Brandon Taylor and Jordan Loveridge will be expected to take charge of this team headed into their senior seasons, the key player will be the 7-foot center, Jakob Poeltl. Poeltl chose to return to school over going to the NBA and could make major strides in his second collegiate season. Averaging 6.8 rebounds, 9.1 points and 1.9 blocks per game, he could be the piece that transforms Utah from a guaranteed NCAA Tournament team into a legitimate national title contender.

The Utes are not going to be favored over the Wildcats or the California Golden Bears this season, but do not be surprised if this team wins the PAC-12 regular season title. Utah’s experienced defense will give opponents nightmares, especially opponents with young players who are used to dominating, as several of the “elite” conference opponents will boast.

Of the PAC-12 teams, Utah gets my vote for dark horse National Championship contender and should be a team that impresses on the national level immediately in the 2015-16 season.

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like