In a year full of uncertainty, the state of Utah enjoyed some terrific basketball throughout this season. In their first year in the Big 12, BYU exceeded all expectations. In their first year with a new head coach, Utah State was a legitimate tournament threat. In this article, we want to go through the major college basketball teams from the state of Utah and rank their seasons. Which teams would likely win if the two went head-to-head today? Which teams have the strongest rosters, the most impressive resume, or even the coolest moments throughout the season?
Try not to fall over from surprise, but we like BYU on this site. The Cougars' season finished by being on the wrong end of a first-round upset, but this was a team that wasn't supposed to even play in the tournament, let alone be heavily favored in their first matchup. Despite the sour taste left in our mouths, BYU's body of work this season cannot be overlooked. This team showed heart and resilience throughout the season and finished in 5th place in the strongest conference in college hoops.
BYU boasts the strongest resume of any team in Utah, with wins over Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, and Texas--all of whom advanced to at least the second round of March Madness. BYU cemented its place as a legitimate program among the best teams in college hoops. With new recruits and possible returning talent, the Cougars look set to remain a Top-25 team beyond this season--it's no fluke.
The Aggies weren't supposed to be good this year. Originally slated to finish 9th in the Mountain West preseason poll, Utah State was supposed to be in a rebuilding year. With a new head coach and several talented players leaving the program last season (like current Samford guard, Rylan Jones), this Utah State squad was supposed to use this year to rebuild, take their lumps, and solidify a foundation for future success.
Head coach, Danny Sprinkle had other ideas. He led this team to the best record in the Mountain West Conference and secured the regular season championship. The Aggies finished with the best record in the Beehive State, but strength of schedule must be taken into account when considering the best teams in Utah. Utah State basketball was the most overlooked story in the country this year, and the success they had on the floor can't be overstated. Sprinkle will be coaching the Washington Huskies next season, but don't be surprised if Utah State keeps on winning.
The Utes' final year in the Big 12 finished with a berth to the NIT tournament--not where they were hoping at the beginning of the year. The Utes simply lost too many times in their conference schedule in the comparatively weak Pac 12. Utah's best wins this year came against BYU--handing the Cougars their only loss of non-conference play--and Washington State, but suffered many losses where they surely would've needed to win for their NCAA Tournament hopes.
Next season, the Utes will need to adjust to a new level of basketball, as they'll be joining their neighbors down south in the Big 12. While most project their football team to handle the transition seamlessly, their basketball program has been a big question mark for years. They're the only team in the state who is still playing, as they'll face off against VCU in the NIT quarterfinals, and have a chance to finish their year on a high note.
It was an up-and-down year for Weber State. The Wildcats started the season with an impressive win over the Top-25 Saint Mary's Gaels, but also lost many games that felt winnable. Losses against UVU, Sacramento State, and two losses against Idaho State highlighted an unfortunate season for the Wildcats.
Being a member of the Big Sky Conference, Weber State only earns admission to March Madness with a conference championship win, but their hopes were dashed by a loss to Montana State in their first game in the Big Sky Tournament.
UVU struggled in their first year of the post-Mark Madsen era after their coach left for the greener pastures of Cal-Berkley. The Wolverines went .500 this season and suffered an early exit from the WAC Tournament. In matchups against other Utah schools, the Wolverines went 4-2 with a loss to Utah, but a solid win against Weber State.
The Wolverines are still rebuilding, and could be a middling team in the Western Athletic Conference for a while. They did much better in this season than their Utah neighbors and conference-mates, SUU and Utah Tech.