While Larry Krystkowiak insists making the NCAA Tournament is high on his list of goals every season, he views this past season as successful in spite of not making it to March Madness.
The Utes missed the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive season and finished the year with a loss in the NIT championship game. The most significant strides the Utes made came in terms of program culture, following a previous season that included internal turmoil and prompted soul-searching from the coaching staff.
“There’s only a few teams playing at this time of year, no matter if you’re in the NCAA Tournament or the NIT,” Utah junior guard Sedrick Barefield said following the NIT championship game.