While it’s been long anticipated that Kuzma, a 6-foot-9 all-Pac-12 selection last season, could take this step, he said he wasn’t ready to move forward until a recent conversation with coach Larry Krystkowiak.
"In short he really just said, ‘It’s a great thing if you come back, but if you get drafted, that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing, too,’" Kuzma said. "All the coaches are happy that I’m having this opportunity to explore my opportunities. It’s all positive vibes from everybody."
Each of the last two years, Utah has produced a first-round pick with Delon Wright (2015) and Jakob Poeltl (2016) both heading to Toronto.