From Deseret News archives:

Bogut appears to be ready for the next level of hoops

Published: Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005 10:49 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
In the Huntsman Center offices after the game, Utah athletic director Chris Hill was taking in some air. At last. Two hours of holding your breath is a long time. But finally the 69-60 win over BYU was in place.

"They're never easy," said Hill. "Doesn't matter what the records are, when Utah and BYU play, they're never easy."

You could have fooled me. For Ute center Andrew Bogut, it was way too easy. Twenty-six points, 13 rebounds, three-steals-and-a-block type easy.

So easy, in fact, that I have to ask: Doesn't this guy need a bigger playground?

As Bogut's sophomore year wanes, it is more apparent each day that he's outgrown college basketball in general, and the Mountain West Conference in particular. Not only is he looking down at his competition literally, but figuratively, too. I half expect him to laugh when he sees people like BYU's Derek Dawes and Jared Jensen trying to guard him. That isn't a knock on Dawes or Jensen. It's just that Bogut is so, well, bogacious.

The Cougars did what they could. They put their biggest players on him, collapsed defensively and spent much of Saturday's game slapping and shoving the 7-foot Australian — to no avail. He took what was offered in the early going, which amounted mostly to free throw.

Story continues below
But his contribution all afternoon was far from simply standing at the foul line.

He rebounds: The Utes went 11 1/2 minutes before scoring their second field goal, yet his seven boards were a major part in keeping them in the game.

He defends: Numerous times he closed off the baseline when BYU players drove for what would have been layups. He drew a charging foul or two. With 13 minutes left in the game, BYU's Chris Miles went low and faked a shot. Bogut didn't budge. He was as solid as the Washington Monument and twice as imposing. When Miles finally did go up, Bogut effortlessly swatted the shot anyway.

He scores: As if the block wasn't enough, Bogut followed shortly after with a 3-pointer, giving Utah a 10-point lead.

He runs: On an ensuing possession he led the fast break, scoring a layup and drawing a free throw, as the Utes went up by 12.

He passes: With under five minutes remaining, he delivered a perfect return on the give-and-go to Richard Chaney, who drew two free throws. Unlike many big men, a pass to Bogut doesn't mean the ball can't be returned to sender.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

Andrew Bogut celebrates with Ute fans after beating the Cougars.

previousnext

Latest comments

CSU bans guns on campus

Any blood spilt at CSU as a result of this policy of people being denied the...

Letters: What about the woman?

RE: @ Bro Chuck 11:28 a.m. | 12:03 p.m. Dec. 4, 2009 Chuck, What ELSE would...

so this is the tru teams right here. the tribune doesnt matter?

I just want to wish KRCL and all 12 of their listeners a Happy Birthday.

Felt's Facts season recap

Hart doesn't have the year he had without having receivers who catch the...

Utah Jazz going green with unis

Tell the Jazz to keep them permanently.

U.S. draws England for World Cup

England has had a solid qualification. They will be tough, but I believe the...

U.S. draws England for World Cup

This is a great draw! I'm am looking forward to watching Team USA play.

Pitta named to All-America team

Yeah. That system includes making game-winning/game-ending touchdowns against...

It's not that Tiger did anything illegal,but that he portrayed himself as...

Advertisements