"It's very special for me to come back and see them," said Bogut, who caught an early flight to Salt Lake City after recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in Friday's Rookie-Sophomore Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston.

Bogut said his transition to pro ball is progressing. He enjoys playing in Milwaukee.

"The biggest part for me is the adjustment off the court," Bogut said while noting the rigors of travel and tight schedules. "The lifestyle of the NBA is crazy."

The game itself, he added, is much quicker than college ball. Rule differences like defensive three seconds also have presented challenges.

Even so, Bogut said basketball is basketball and he'll make the necessary adjustments.

So, too, he continued, will the Utes. Bogut predicts a bight future after a rebuilding year for his alma mater. He praised Giacoletti for making the right decision and allowing several players with detrimental attitudes to leave the program.

Before watching the Utes and Falcons play, Bogut attended a pregame reception with more than 50 former basketball lettermen from Utah, including Ferrin, McGill and Vranes.

Bogut's retirement ceremonies also included the showing of a highlight video at halftime. The first 2,500 fans through the turnstiles received commemorative pins, and tickets in the upper bowl were sold for $4 apiece in honor of Bogut.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com