Utes open practice, prepare for long trip

The University of Utah men's basketball team began practicing Friday, nearly three months earlier than most teams in America.

However, the Utes are well within the rules as they are practicing prior to a trip to Australia next month. Men's basketball programs are allowed to take one summer foreign trip every four years.

For the Utes, it's actually their first trip in six years, but it couldn't come at a better time for a program that features a new coach trying to implement new ideas to young players.

Coach Jim Boylen, who took over the Ute program in late March, was disappointed that a few of his players weren't as well-conditioned as he'd hoped, but said the first practice session went well.

"It's great to be out here," Boylen said. "This is a great situation for us to be together and learn together. I'm happy to have the opportunity to grow and trust each other."

The 12-day trip begins Aug. 7 and will include six games against club teams, some with professional players much older than the Utes.

The trip to Australia will be special for two Utes, Luke Nevill and Stephen Weigh, who are natives of the Land Down Under, although from opposite coasts.

Nevill, who hails from Perth on the east coast, is excited about the trip and guesses "100-plus people" he knows will come out to see him play in his hometown. However, he said he's not looking forward to the 14-hour flight, particularly after recently returning from 2 1/2 months in Australia.

Weigh, a 6-foot-6 forward from Rockhampton, also recently came back from his homeland but is excited about the upcoming trip.

"It's going to be great to be back home," he said. "This trip will be a big thing for our team. Traveling overseas is a good thing for bonding as a team. It's going to be a great time and a really good experience."

Others going on the trip for Utah include Johnnie Bryant, Shawn Green, Lawrence Borha, Curtis Eatmon, Kim Tillie, Luka Drca and Chris Grant. First-year players are not allowed, according to NCAA rules.

The Utes will have 10 days to practice before leaving for Australia. Boylen is stressing defense and toughness to his players.

"I want us to become a more defense-minded team and build a good foundation," he said. "That's my main goal." I think we have the shooting and ability to score, but we have to get some grit and toughness."

The Utes will return home Aug. 19 and get back into school. The coaches will be able to conduct individual workouts with players during the fall, but official practice won't begin until Oct. 12.

---

E-mail: sor@desnews.com