It's what he didn't say that matters
One rule of college coaching searches that usually holds up is that the only potential candidates willing to speak with reporters about a job opening are the ones who don't want it and the ones who can't get it.
Which is what makes Larry Krystkowiak intriguing.
The former Montana coach - he brought the Grizzlies to the Huntsman Center for an upset of Nevada in the NCAA Tournament last season, remember? - and Utah Jazz player is now an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, and he declined an interview request on Monday. Through a team representative, he said he would "take a pass" on the interview, knowing that the topic was his supposed candidacy to replace Ray Giacoletti with the Utes.
Now, that might not mean anything.
But I'd bet the opposite - that it means Krystkowiak is among the coaches with at least a reasonable chance of landing the job. And the Utes could do worse. The 42-year-old Krystkowiak led the Grizzlies to back-to-back Big Sky Conference tournament titles and NCAA Tournament berths in his two seasons coaching his alma mater, and has spent time with the Bucks helping tutor former Utah All-American Andrew Bogut.
Granted, the Bucks are having a horrible season - they're 22-38, going into a game at Orlando on Monday night - and Krystowiak is often mentioned as a possible replacement (interim, at least) for embattled coach Terry Stotts, should he get fired.
But he has a good reputation, a familiar with the city and the region, and connections in both college and pro basketball. He also has a bright personality that probably would be a good match for the Utes as they seek to renew fan interest in their sinking program.
Which is what makes Larry Krystkowiak intriguing.
The former Montana coach - he brought the Grizzlies to the Huntsman Center for an upset of Nevada in the NCAA Tournament last season, remember? - and Utah Jazz player is now an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, and he declined an interview request on Monday. Through a team representative, he said he would "take a pass" on the interview, knowing that the topic was his supposed candidacy to replace Ray Giacoletti with the Utes.
Now, that might not mean anything.
But I'd bet the opposite - that it means Krystkowiak is among the coaches with at least a reasonable chance of landing the job. And the Utes could do worse. The 42-year-old Krystkowiak led the Grizzlies to back-to-back Big Sky Conference tournament titles and NCAA Tournament berths in his two seasons coaching his alma mater, and has spent time with the Bucks helping tutor former Utah All-American Andrew Bogut.
Granted, the Bucks are having a horrible season - they're 22-38, going into a game at Orlando on Monday night - and Krystowiak is often mentioned as a possible replacement (interim, at least) for embattled coach Terry Stotts, should he get fired.
But he has a good reputation, a familiar with the city and the region, and connections in both college and pro basketball. He also has a bright personality that probably would be a good match for the Utes as they seek to renew fan interest in their sinking program.
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 6:24 PM |
2 Comments:
Good insight M.C., I hope he's the answer to the Utes b-ball troubles.
Nice work Mike! It seems like he accomplished more in two seasons at Montana than Giac did in more time at E. Washington. But I've heard that when he left Montana it was because he wanted to be an NBA head coach...have you heard this? Also, what have you heard about the different candidates from the Missouri Valley Conference (S. Illinois, Creighton, etc). Thanks and keep up the good work.
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