ASU Basketball: Utah’s change in identity helped it conform
By Zach Pekale
A loss to Utah soured the start of Pac-12 play for ASU basketball. Can the Sun Devils’ defense contain the sharpshooting Utes?
Far from naive, Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak knows the game of basketball is changing.
He also knows that neither Delon Wright nor Jakob Poeltl is walking through the doors of the Jon M. Huntsman Center anytime soon, at least not to suit up for the Utes.
The eighth-year coach has restored order to a program that won six games during his first season in Salt Lake City, twice taking the Utes to the NCAA Tournament, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2015 with both of the aforementioned players on his roster.
Wright and Poeltl have since transitioned to the NBA while Utah has failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in that time. A system thriving on low-post offense and a jack-of-all trades point guard needed a new identity.
This offseason, Krystkowiak shifted Sedrick Barefield, a two-guard, into unfamiliar territory as the starting point guard. A questionable move, given Barefield’s natural tendency to score rather than distribute or create for others, was initially unsuccessful.
The Utes started 6-6, gaining notoriety for losses to Northwestern, Hawaii and BYU. During the first two months of the season, Barefield was relegated to the bench on multiple occasions.
But after eight wins since the turn of the calendar, Utah sits alone in second place of the conference standings with Barefield serving as the offensive catalyst.
His 17.4 points and 4.8 assists per game in Pac-12 play lead Utah in both categories, helping transform the Utes into the conference’s top perimeter-shooting team. In 12 games, they’ve knocked down 125 shots from deep at a 40 percent clip.
While Barefield leads the way with 40 made 3’s, guard Parker Van Dyke has connected on 31. Forwards Donnie Tillman and Both Gach have 22 and 15, respectively.
Sure, a team is capable of finding its rhythm for a few games. Utah has not only sustained consistency, but has also been able to impact other parts of the game as a result of its success.
Knocking down 40 percent of 3-point shots is an impressive feat. When a team does that and shoots 55 percent inside the arc, it’s difficult to compete.
At 78.8 points per game, only UCLA (79.6) scores more on a nightly basis though the Bruins aren’t nearly as well-rounded. Additionally, Utah ranks third in total rebounds (437) and assists (182).
dark. Next. ASU Basketball: Sloppy play, failed execution returns in loss to Colorado
Winners in seven of their past nine contests, the Utes will look to continue their hot shooting and solidify a place among the top of the Pac-12 standings.