We’re ready to go for Oregon. – Utah guard Parker Van Dyke
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak gave the Utes two days off to “recharge their batteries” following Saturday’s 85-61 win over Washington.
Krystkowiak expressed hope that it would lead to stronger starts and get everyone locked in heading into the final five games of the regular season. The Utes, who return to action Thursday at seventh-ranked Oregon, didn’t get much time off at Christmas time because of a tournament in Hawaii.
Getting a little rest and relaxation was a good thing according to Krystkowiak. He felt so early Tuesday while working out.
“If they feel at all like I felt when I ran on the treadmill, I was kind of charged up and ready to go,” Krystkowiak said. “I was ready for practice.”
Utah center David Collette made the most of his time off. The junior celebrated an early Valentine’s Day with his wife, McElle.
“So it was a good time for me,” he said.
Although guard Parker Van Dyke wound up going to the practice facility Monday to get some shots up and work out a little bit, the sophomore acknowledged that he did get some rest and relaxation in over the two days. There were no formal practices. The Utes, however, did get some school things done before heading out on the road.
“We’re ready to go for Oregon,” Van Dyke said.
Besides the game in Eugene (7 p.m., ESPN), Utah faces Oregon State in Corvallis Sunday (6:30 p.m., ESPNU).
The Utes leave town with renewed energy.
“I think it (was) a welcome break from each other. It’s more for the kids,” Krystkowiak said. “We, as a staff, we had a heck of a day yesterday with film and we have a pretty good understanding of what it is we need to do.”
The key in preparing for Oregon, he added, is accomplishing a number of elements and getting concepts across to the guys in practice.Then get ready to jump on the plane and “let it fly.”
MORE TIME, THIS TIME: Four fouls limited Collette to just 25 minutes of action in the Utes’ 73-67 loss to Oregon on Jan. 26. The junior, who averages 14.6 points and 5.1 rebounds, is determined to be on the floor more against the Ducks on Thursday.
“That game was a tough one. Obviously I didn’t get to play as much as I wanted to,” Collette said. “So I’ll be working to stay in the game a little more this time and hopefully do a little more damage.”
Collette scored 10 points in the first meeting.
MOVING FORWARD: Van Dyke scored a career-high 16 points in Saturday’s victory against Washington.
“It’s definitely meaningful and it’s definitely something I want to continue to improve on,” said Van Dyke, who hopes to build on his success. “It was a fun night for me and a fun night for the team to get a good win.
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