Sleeper Pick #1

Over the next few weeks we here at CDTN will be picking some sleepers this year. These are teams that have not started ranked or receiving votes in the coaches poll but will be in there at some point and will cause a ruckus come March.

Our first team profiled are the:

UTAH Utes
Last year the Utes were 18-15 overall and mere 7-9 in the MWC. But this year they have the experience to cause damage. They return all 5 starters including major senior big man Luke Nevill. Nevill averaged 15 and 7 last season but was plagued by foul trouble. Another season under his belt with depth behind him (Kim Tillie and freshman top 100 recruit Jason Washburn) as well will make Nevill fiery to stay on the floor.

The key thing that they have that will make them a threat is the fact that they are heavy senior laden. With Senior PF Shaun Green who averaged nearly 8ppg they have a guy that will guard the bigger defender but can also stretch the defense out with his ability to shoot the three ball. At guards they have Seniors Tyler Kepkay at the point, a JUCO transfer who transitioned roughly last year but is poised for a big senior year. He spent the summer playing for the Canadian National Team. Lawrence Borha another senior and runner up Mr. Basketball in Kansas Jordan Cyphers will make impacts at wing positions.

Playing in the not so mid-major MWC will provide valuable experience against strong teams but coach Jim Boylen (a Tom Izzo disciple) scheduled a rigorous non-conference schedule. Getting LSU, Oregon, Cal and Gonzaga at home and traveling to Oklahoma and a neutral site game against Ole Miss gives them many chances at the wins that will help their tourney resume. If they can pull off a few upsets and get hot in MWC play they can go into the tourney on a hot streak and are a tough matchup for any team with their senior leadership and depth up front.