Bogut will return to play for Utes

The pieces continue to fall into place for Utah basketball coach Ray Giacoletti.

Giacoletti returned Wednesday afternoon from a whirlwind trip to Australia with the news that center Andrew Bogut has decided to return for his sophomore season in the fall.

"Obviously, we're excited to have Andrew back," Giacoletti said. "He's a pretty special guy."

Giacoletti actually spent more time flying to and from Australia (17 hours each way) than he did in the Land Down Under. He was in Melbourne for less than 24 hours, just enough time to meet with Bogut and his parents and discuss the big center's future at Utah.

Giacoletti said he didn't have to twist any arms to get Bogut to return. He said Bogut had already discussed the matter with his parents and decided he wanted to play another year at Utah. Giacoletti said it was good to meet with Bogut and his family in person rather than correspond through phone calls and e-mail.

At the end of spring semester earlier this month, Bogut went straight from Salt Lake to the training center for the Australian national team. He finally returned to his home in Melbourne on Saturday.

"Andrew wanted to wait to talk to his parents back home before coming to a conclusion on his plans for next year," Giacoletti said. "I really enjoyed having the chance to meet Andrew's family face-to-face. Now with this behind us, everyone can focus on having a great summer."

While Bogut hasn't officially made the Australian Olympic team, which has already qualified for the Games in Greece in August, he has an excellent chance, according to Giacoletti. He said Bogut is part of a 26-man squad that will be trimmed to 12 and that Australian coaches have told him they are very high on Bogut. Last summer, Bogut led the Australian under-19 team to the Junior World Championship, where he was named MVP.

According to the Basketball Australia Web site, Bogut performed well in the first week of camp at the Australian Institute of Sport on May 10-14.

"Young gun Andrew Bogut made a real impact last week, having gained size in his year playing college basketball in the U.S.," the report said.

Giacoletti said he'll be thrilled to have Bogut play in the Olympics this summer.

"That will be huge," he said. "That's a great opportunity for him, and we support him. It should be fun following him throughout the summer."