Six current members of the Utes’ roster, including three starters, reside in California — as well as two of the four recruits signed to letters of intent in November.
Sedrick Barefield, Justin Bibbins, Gabe Bealer, Jayce Johnson, Chris Seeley and Devante Doutrive (redshirting this season) all played high school basketball in California. Johnson remained at the team hotel during Thursday’s game due to a stomach virus.
“It’s fun for guys to be able to go home,” Utes coach Larry Krystkowiak said. “It’s definitely a business trip. I think we all know there’s some fringe benefits of getting some of our guys back there.