The Utes are still waiting to learn whether freshman guard Jace Tavita will be cleared academically to play for them this season, and coach Jim Boylen said he has no idea when the NCAA might render a decision.

"It's out of our hands," he said, putting his hands together as if in prayer and looking to the ceiling.

Tavita has been practicing with the Utes in their limited sessions since the NCAA granted him clearance to do so last week, but could still be declared ineligible for the season. Meanwhile, fellow freshman guard Chris Hines is still battling a sprained ankle, which has lingered for what seems like forever and required an injection last week.

"We're going to hold him out till it really feels good," Boylen said. "He's a tough kid. He hates sitting out. We told him to sit out, and I caught him up here one night, shooting. So he's one of those kind of guys. We have to watch him like a hawk, because he's a gym rat, which is why we wanted him -- his toughness and his love for being in the gym."