Three Takeaways From Runnin’ Utes Exhibition Win

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Utes men’s basketball team started their season with an 88-47 win over UT-Tyler in exhibition play at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

It was the first game action for the new-look Utes that bring in 12 new players, which is the fourth most newcomers in the country.

Here are three takeaways from the Crimson Corner in the “three man weave.”

Utes WIN! 😃

Utah 88 – UT Tyler 47#GoUtes🏀🔴 pic.twitter.com/WG3vozylsy

— Utah Basketball🏀 (@UtahMBB) October 31, 2019

Timmy Allen Will Be Utah’s Go-To Guy

While he didn’t shoot the ball well in the win for the Utes, Allen will be a guy that Larry Krystkowiak will look for to be productive on the offensive end. He finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds, while shooting 1-for-6 from the field but was able to knock down 11 of his 12 attempts at the free throw line.

Allen has gained some weight which he will use to get to the basket and collect rebounds on the defensive end. He is a player that wants to get to the free throw line and get into the paint to get his points.

In the exhibition game, Allen didn’t attempt a three-point shot.

Mikael Jantunen Is Ready For ‘Big Boy Basketball’

The true freshman from Finland showed some really good things on the floor. He has a knack for playing good defense and utilizing his length. Against the Patriots, Jantunen had 12 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, while shooting 3-of-4 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

He and Rylan Jones are the most “game ready” with Branden Carlson very close second among the newcomers.

Rylan Jones Is A Throwback Point Guard

The former Mr. Basketball and Olympus Titans point guard started for the Utes in the exhibition game. Jones posted 3 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while making just one field goal on three attempts.

The game of basketball is changing but Jones is sticking to the ways of the point guard position from the 90’s. He is a pass-first point guard and is a really good defender who likes to take charges. In the win over UT-Tyler, Jones took four charges on defense.

HM: Branden Carlson Has Unique Skillset

The 7’0 true freshman from Bingham High School showed some promise in the game on Wednesday night. He started at center and recorded 10 points, 9 rebounds and 1 block. Carlson shot 5-of-7 from the field in 16 minutes on the floor.

Carlson is joining the Utes after serving a two-year church mission. For a big man, he is athletic and is very good with his hands in the paint and in traffic. He also has a sense of where his teammates are at on the floor. Carlson found teammates while staying calm and composed in the paint.

Another plus is that he can run the floor well. Look for him to have an immediate impact on the Utes.

Utah will begin their 2019-20 season on Tuesday against Nevada on the road. The game will tip-off at 8:30 p.m. and will be televised on CBS Sports Network.