Look Who Has Learned How to Win

The pain of rebuilding has finally reaped some benefits. The Runnin' Utes have learned how to win games. And it has been a blast!! What are the keys to this four game win streak? I have three observations:

The players have learned to make the extra pass on offense. The coaches have made a slight adjustment on defense (switching from man to zone and back to man). And Utah finally has a go-to guy who can score in pressure situations.  

The Runnin' Utes have become less selfish in recent games. Their motion offense has been much more effective at spreading out the defense leading to wide open outside shots, and opening up the inside game. DuBois has benefited from having more open shots, which has in turn helped his confidence. Washburn and Olsen have more room to operate inside and they have taken advantage.  

Utah has also started to mix up its defenses and opposing teams have struggled to adjust. Utah has started games in a sagged in man-to man. But as soon as the opponent gets in a rhythm, the Utes switch to zone. This switching up has been effective in getting teams out of their rhythm and is good for 5-6 stops per game. In some games, that has been the difference. This has been an excellent adjustment by the coaches.

Finally, Jarred DuBois is the man. He has learned how to take over games and will his team to victory. The shot against Cal was epic, but he was amazing to open that game as well. Utah lacked a go-to guy all season. Washburn did a great job, but could be shut down by double teams and more physical big men. And Jordan Loveridge isn't quite there yet. But in the last four games, DuBois has played aggressively while still playing under control and within the offense. He has more open shots and, therefore, makes more shots. And this has increased his confidence. He has been outstanding. And I couldn't be more happy for this fine young man.

I don't know if Utah will win tonight. I predict a close game. The Utes will have a chance to win. I have to be honest. I didn't expect Utah to turn the corner this season. I thought it would happen some time next year. Coach K and his staff have done a great job keeping his team engaged in team basketball. That is a tough thing to do when a team is not winning. But the players have bought in and the boys are reaping the rewards. Let's hope we'll see them have a chance to make it to the big dance tomorrow night. But even if they don't, I think most Utah fans will agree that, with this performance in the Pac-12 tournament, this first rebuilding season has been a success.