Utah may not be considered a Cinderella of March Madness, but arriving in the Sweet 16 and facing off against Duke is uncharted waters for every player on the roster. After all, the Utes were one of the country’s worst teams just three years ago.
The question of whether the Utah program is truly back to where it once was will be answered in the years to come, but a win over Duke would certainly serve as positive evidence. Of course, that may be easier said than done.
Most know just how good Utah point guard Delon Wright is, but it is his supporting cast that will likely determine whether or not the Utes have a chance against the mighty Blue Devils.
Junior forward Jordan Loveridge hasn’t had the most inspiring campaign thus far, but there’s still time for him to turn around the narrative. Loveridge has the strength to compete inside on the boards and with the occasional post up, but also the shooting ability to take his defender outside and make him pay for helping off of him. What he’ll need to add against Duke is the tenacity to make plays off the dribble, getting Duke’s forwards into some semblance of foul trouble.
Freshman Jakob Poeltl will have the toughest job in the building: guarding Duke’s Jahlil Okafor. Something that may help his defensive efforts will be his activity on the offensive end. If he can tire out Okafor, or even force him into some silly fouls, that would go a long way.
Of course, Okafor will be vital for Duke underneath. But it might be another freshman who could be even more important against Utah.
Justice Winslow doesn’t get the headlines that Okafor or Tyus Jones do, but he does all the uncoachable things that win you tight games. Also, there’s a good chance that he’ll be matched up against Loveridge, and if he can keep him in check, Duke’s other defensive match-ups should be favorable, outside of guarding Wright.
