Utah Basketball Players Embracing New Era Of Runnin’ Utes Hoops

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – For first time since joining the Pac-12, the Utah basketball program will have a new identity with a new coaching staff coming in.

Craig Smith is bringing his high energy personality and is hoping to bring Utah basketball back to its glory days of being a dominant program. Forward Riley Battin and center Branden Carlson were at Pac-12 Media Day in San Francisco at the Pac-12 Network studios.

Battin was asked what has been different about playing for Craig Smith as opposed to Larry Krystkowiak.

“Yeah, I think there’s just a lot more energy, in practice we’re really upbeat, everyone’s hungry to get better,” said Battin. “I think it’s just like a new era of Utah basketball coming in.”

BTS flicks from @pac12 2021 Media Day 📸📸#GoUtes | #Pac12MBB pic.twitter.com/3oNPIf1ry5

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) October 14, 2021

With so many new faces coming in to the program, Carlson has noticed how close all of the players are on and off the court.

“It’s been great on and off the court, everyone is already great friends,” said Carlson. “Everyone loves each other. A lot of people went to the Jazz game the other night. We all just hang out off the court, and on the court it’s great as well. We all have high energy. Everyone celebrate each other’s successes and it’s been great.”

The Runnin’ Utes will face Westminster College in an exhibition game on Thursday, November 4 at 6 p.m. MT at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. They will begin their 2021-22 campaign and the Craig Smith era on Tuesday, November 9 against Abilene Christian at home. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. MT on the Pac-12 Networks.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.