Utah Utes basketball: Despite difficult season, Larry Krystkowiak maintaining his resolve

"It really should never end. I don't think you ever get to the point where you think you have all the answers because that's kind of a time that life jumps up and bites you right on the rump — when you think you've got it all figured out," Krystkowiak said. "So I'm always trying to pick people's brains and find a better way to do something or learn a better way to do something you know."

California's Mike Montgomery, who was the head coach at Montana when Krystkowiak won three consecutive Big Sky Conference Player of the Year awards, has been his mentor in the basketball world.

"I look forward to spending time with him once the season's over and picking his brain," Krystkowiak said of Montgomery, who is now technically a conference rival. "We've also kind of crossed into a new neighborhood. Before I might be asking him questions or asking how they run certain things. Now he's probably not as eager to share it with me."

Coaches, however, have been comfortable swapping stories with Krystkowiak about the difficulties involved in building a program.

It's one of the neat things, Krystkowiak explained, about the coaching profession. Those who have gone through a similar situation have either phoned Krystkowiak or shared stories with him on the recruiting trail. They've offered encouragement in the form of sayings like "all things will pass" and predictions that the hard times will be a thing of the past in two or three years.

"You just can't speed up the clock and you can't get to where you want to be without going through all the steps necessary," Krystkowiak said. "So a lot of people basketball-wise, that have gone through that, they remind you that 'Hey, it's going to be fine.'"

In the meantime, Krystkowiak is appreciative of the support he's getting from a lot of positive folks like his wife and kids, as well as his brother.

And then there's the whole job thing. Krystkowiak loves what he's doing. The butterflies associated with games each week is something he truly enjoys.

"It's not a monotonous job. It's not like you're doing the same job 9-to-5 and just punching in and going to work," Krystkowiak said. "So it's been great. I absolutely love it. It seems like every morning you get up, it's like a jump ball."

And even better.

"I'm really fortunate," Krystkowiak said. "Because a lot of people don't have that opportunity to do something that they love."

Pac-12 Tournament

No. 6 Colorado (19-11, 11-7)

vs. No. 11 Utah (6-24, 3-15)

Wednesday, 9:30 MST

Staples Center, Los Angeles

TV: FSN (Root Sports) Radio: 700AM

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