To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning and incoming players. Here's a look at Utah and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five
Who is lost: The Runnin' Utes will lose arguably the best player in the conference in Delon Wright. He was not only the quarterback of the squad, but also the catalyst for their Pac-12 runner-up finish (tied with Oregon). The Utes also will have to replace Dallin Bachynski, a backup center and who provided rebounding, solid post defense and solid screens.
Who is added: Larry Krystkowiak didn't have to tap into the European market this time around as he added a terrific trio of prospects from the West Coast. Makol Mawien is quite raw, but he has the physical tools (length/bounce) to be a potential starter at the 4 position down the road. Gabe Bealer (City College of San Francisco), arrived a year earlier than expected. Bealer, a slashing wing who can score from all three perimeter levels, is redshirting after suffering a knee injury.
What it means for next season: There is no one in the program who can duplicate Wright's all-around skills and savvy. Taylor is a solid point guard with a ton of moxie and Isaiah Wright is a solid playmaker, but neither of the returnees have the innate playmaking ability that Wright possessed. However, Krystkowiak's club should be more productive at every other position other than point guard. Poeltl is a future lottery pick, and sophomore Chapman should mold into an all-conference performer next season with his point forward skill set. Tucker should provide timely shooting and Loveridge is another prototypical glue type who affects the game with his skill, savvy and strength. In addition, the Utes should be excited about the potential of Kyle Kuzma, who showed flashes of his budding talent during his freshman campaign.
Trending: Down. The key for the Utes as they head into the 2015-16 season obviously will be the development at the point guard position. However, an upper-echelon finish in the Pac-12 should be expected considering how talented and deep the roster is heading into next season.