The Utes were one week removed from beating Kansas and Kansas State. They were a tick under .500 in Big 12 play, and they had a manageable stretch upcoming — so manageable that it was easy to envision the Utes, who were picked dead last in the Big 12’s preseason media poll, finishing as high as sixth or seventh place.

The University of Utah's decision to part ways with head basketball coach Craig Smith has resulted in an ironic turn of events. Josh Eilert, who was hired as an assistant under Smith last June, will now step in as interim head coach.