In the first change of coach of the Pac-12 in the off-season, the Utah Utes announced on Tuesday that they had resigned Larry Krystkowiak, who was his head coach since the 2011-12 season, two years after signing Arizona Sean Miller.
“Ultimately, our program needs a new voice, a new vision and a new leader who can build on Larry’s foundation and take us to greater heights in the years to come,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement.
In 10 seasons in Salt Lake City, Krystowiak posted a record of 183-137 and two appearances in the NCAA tournament, including a Sweet Sixteen in 2015, when the Utes were led by Kyle Kuzma, Delon Wright and Jakob Poeltl.
However, Utah had recently faltered, going 45-42 in the past three seasons, including a record 26-29 in Pac-12. His last participation in the NCAA tournament was in 2016.
The Utes went 12-13 this season with an 8-11 mark on Pac-12.
“Unfortunately, Krystkowiak’s biggest failure as a head coach was his inability to capitalize on exactly that basketball move,” wrote Steve Bartle of UteZone.com. “The appeal and value of consecutive tournament appearances, three choices in the first round and the stability of a new contract have been essentially lost over time on the recruiting trail. Utah had an average success in the years that followed and never returned to the NCAA tournament. “
ASU home, Cherry enters the transfer portal
Reports say that ASU’s Jaelen House and Cherry taeshon entered the transfer portal.
Cherry was, at the time of her hiring, one of the highest ranked recruits that ASU had ever managed, although she did not appear on the court. The junior striker started in 17 of the 62 games, averaging 5.1 points per game.
House’s entry into the transfer portal was much more of a surprise. He is the son of a former ASU standout Eddie House and had a very good second year season, averaging 5.3 points per game, while hitting 38% on 3 points off the bench.
“Your improvement was one of the main stories of this season,” tweeted Doug Haller from The Athletic.
If Josh Christopher and Marcus Bagley declare for the NBA Draft as expected, and none of the ASU veterans return, the Sun Devils will lose seven of their top eight scorers this season.