Completed Event: Men's Basketball versus No. 9-Seed Cincinnati (1st Round) on March 10, 2026 , Loss , 66, to, 73
Final Score
Men's Basketball
66
vs No. 9-Seed Cincinnati (1st Round)
73
The University of Utah Athletics
2004-05 Utah Men's Basketball Outlook
10/15/2004 12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 15, 2004
A new era begins for Utah basketball in 2004-05 as Ray Giacoletti takes over one of the most successful programs in NCAA history. Although the head coach has changed, the expectations have not. Once again this season, Utah is among the favorites to win the Mountain West Conference championship and be a part of "March Madness."
Giacoletti comes to the U. after spending seven years as the head coach at North Dakota State and Eastern Washington. He has never had a losing season. Under Giacoletti's direction, Eastern was Big Sky Conference runner-up three years in a row before capturing the regular-season championship last year. Giacoletti also led the Eagles to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004. The first-year head coach takes over a program that is 10th in the NCAA in all-time winning percentage (.660), ranks 11th in NCAA Tournament appearances (25) and has won 27 conference championships in 96 years.
Giacoletti has a veteran team to work with in his first season on The Hill. Three starters and four other lettermen return from last year's team that went 24-9, won the Mountain West Conference Tournament and advanced the NCAA's. Also back is senior guard Marc Jackson, who sat out last season after earning second team all-Mountain West honors in 2002-03.
The list of returning starters begins with sophomore post player Andrew Bogut. After earning Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year and second team all-league honors in 2003-04, Bogut started for the Australian National Team in the Summer Olympics. Junior Richard Chaney is the returning starter at small forward and played some of his best basketball down the stretch last season, earning MWC all-tournament team honors. Junior Tim Drisdom has been the regular starter at point guard the past two years, but can also swing to the two-guard position. In Bogut (12.5 ppg) and Chaney (9.5 ppg), Giacoletti brings back two of the top three scorer's from a year ago. Drisdom led the Utes with 3.6 assists per game.
One of the most difficult challenges for an incoming head coach is getting a handle on his personnel. However, Giacoletti has made it a top priority since day one to build relationships with his players both on and off the court. After working with them during individual workouts in the off season and watching hours of tape, Giacoletti feels he has a pretty good handle on his new team. Admittedly, he likes what he's seen.
"We have a number of strengths," says Giacoletti. "With Andrew, you have one of the better inside players in the country. He got great experience playing in the Olympics this summer. He's a guy that can score in a variety of ways: back to the basket, facing up, from three-point range. We have experience on the perimeter, especially with the return of Marc Jackson. Then you have some players who have started and played a lot of minutes for the majority of their careers in Richard Chaney and Tim Drisdom. They've gained great experience in their starting roles and helping the team be successful the past couple of years. Those four guys are the strength of the team with their experience and having played in NCAA Tournament games."
One of the signatures of Utah basketball in recent years has been a smothering half-court defense. In the past 15 years, Utah has finished in the top 30 in the nation 12 times in scoring defense and 10 times in rebound margin. That trend should continue under Giacoletti, who preaches defending relentlessly not just to keep the other team from scoring, but also for creating scoring opportunities of your own.
"We set goals in everything we do, and everything starts at the defensive end of the floor," outlines Giacoletti. "If we can get stops or create turnovers defensively, then we will look to run with the goal of getting some easy baskets. We will also look to extend the floor 94 feet in our man-to-man defense."
Utah has made 11 NCAA appearances since 1991, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen four times and the Final Four in 1998. As Giacoletti takes over a program that has made a name for itself through its NCAA Tournament runs, Giacoletti's primary goal for the team is simple: Be the best team in the Mountain West Conference.
"We've really talked about only one thing with this team, and that's to win the Mountain West championship. If you do that, then you have the opportunity to set the next goal. We're trying to simplify things and show them that the way you win a conference championship is through the team, by being cohesive and playing together. Each man needs to do his share and pick up the load. Leadership needs to come from the group on the whole. Our focus is on the team and how we can maximize our strengths."
On The Perimeter
The only senior on the roster is Marc Jackson (6-1, 175), who is back with the team after electing to not play last season.
As a sophomore in 2002-03, Jackson earned second team all-Mountain West Conference honors. Despite playing off the bench, the guard averaged 9.3 points and 2.7 assists in 22.0 minutes per game. He was at his best during the Mountain West season, ranking 15th in scoring (13.4 ppg) and second in assists (3.4 apg) in league play.
On the year, Jackson scored in double figures 13 times, including three 20-point performances. He was second in the conference in both three-point percentage (44.8) and free throw percentage (84.2).
"When I think of Marc Jackson, his passion for the game, first and foremost, comes to mind," says Giacoletti. He's just a tough, hard-nosed player. Marc's a guy who can create scoring opportunities in a number of ways for himself and for his teammates."
Junior Tim Drisdom (6-3, 210) has started all but one game the last two years at point guard. Last season, the Artesia, Calif., native led the Utes in assists (3.6 apg) and steals (35). Drisdom was at his best while the Utes made their run through the MWC Tournament, dishing out 12 assists and only turning the ball over twice in the final two games.
An effective perimeter shooter when called upon, Drisdom averaged 6.1 points per game last season and reached double figures nine times. He shot 34.0 percent from three-point range and 78.9 percent from the free throw line to rank seventh in the conference in both categories.
"Tim has great experience, a good feel for the game, and I think can play a couple of different positions offensively. But, most importantly, his leadership is going to be vital this year," Giacoletti points out.
Junior forward Richard Chaney (6-4, 195) started 31 of 33 games at small forward last season, averaging 9.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. But if his dedication to improving himself during the off-season is any indication, Chaney's best basketball is still ahead of him.
"Richard has probably worked the hardest of anyone in the weight room this summer. He has greatly improved his physical strength," reveals Giacoletti. "With his experience and work ethic, we're expecting big things from Richard this year."
While reaching double figures 13 times and putting up 20 points on three occasions last season, Chaney ranked 13th in the MWC in field goal percentage (49.4) and ninth in three-point percentage (41.5). The Los Angeles, Calif., native helped propel the Utes to the conference tournament title, scoring 14 points in the quarterfinals and 18 in the championship game.
A quick, athletic forward from Monrovia, Calif., junior Bryant Markson (6-6, 190) has shown flashes of great potential the last two years, but has yet to blossom into a standout performer. As a freshman, Markson started both of the Utes' NCAA Tournament games, getting eight points and seven rebounds in the first-round win over Oregon. Last year, Markson played in 32 games with two starts, averaging 2.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game. A change in the coaching staff just might be the lift Markson needs to elevate his game.
"Bryant is excited to have a fresh start with the new staff," senses Giacoletti. "We're looking forward to having him help us in a number of different ways. I think the first way he can help us is defensively." Jermaine Calvin (5-9, 177), a rookie from Tempe, Ariz., will vie for playing time at point guard. Calvin sees the floor and passes the ball well. As a first team all-state selection in 2003-04, Calvin averaged 20.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 9.1 assists per contest, leading McClintock High School to a state runner-up finish.
"Jermaine's a freshman who brings great athleticism and desire to our program," evaluated Giacoletti. "He can certainly help us right away defensively by pressuring the ball."
Casey Iverson (6-1, 185) and Austin Robison (6-6, 185) join the Utes as non-scholarship players. Iverson was an honorable mention all-conference performer at the College of Eastern Utah in 2003-04. The junior from Salt Lake City averaged 12.0 points, 2.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game.
"Casey is someone who can shoot the basketball and, coming from a junior college, has a lot of experience. Time will tell how much he can contribute for us," says Giacoletti.
Robison, a forward from Jordan High School (Utah) was named first team all-state by the Salt Lake Tribune as a senior. He averaged 18.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.9 blocked shots and 2.6 steals per game in 2003-04.
"Austin is a hard worker, and we're excited to have him as a part of our program," comments Giacoletti. "I think he can really help us each and every day in practice. This will be a big year of learning for him basketball-wise."
In The Paint
Giacoletti makes no bones about the fact that Andrew Bogut (7-0, 240) will play a big part in the Utes' offensive game plan this season. A proven rebounder and shot blocker, Bogut will also be a critical contributor defensively.
"Obviously with Andrew here for another year, he needs to touch the ball on every possession. The ball needs to go through him," Giacoletti explains. "You want to establish the inside game, and that will hopefully help open things up on the perimeter."
Besides earning all-MWC recognition last season, Bogut was named second team All-District 13 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and made the CollegeInsider.com all-freshman team. This year, the sophomore center/forward has already been named to the John R. Wooden Preseason All-America Team.
In the 2003-04 NCAA statistical rankings, Bogut was 21st in field goal percentage (57.7) and 15th in rebounds per game (9.9). Bogut also ranked 14th in the Mountain West in scoring (12.5 ppg) and fifth in blocked shots (44), ranking second on the Ute single-season charts in the later. He recorded 14 double-doubles.
As if that weren't enough for one year, the native of Melbourne, Australia, shined last summer on the international stage while starting for his home country in the Athens Games. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in five Olympic tournament games.
"Andrew has the chance to be special," confides Giacoletti. "When I watched him play in the Olympics, I saw him not only demonstrate terrific skills offensively, but also show the toughness to be able to compete with men in the international game."
Sophomore forward Justin Hawkins (6-5, 220), who hails from Anaheim, Calif., will contend for the starting job at power forward. Hawkins was the most utilized player off the bench and a spot starter on three occasions a year ago, averaging 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game. His productivity increased on both ends of the floor the second half of the conference schedule, and continued with 19 combined points in the first two rounds of the MWC Tournament. He also has shown the ability to guard three positions defensively.
"With his versatility and athleticism, Justin can play a lot of different positions," evaluates Giacoletti. "I think he can be real key for us this year, both offensively and defensively, because of his versatility. We're hoping he can build on a nice freshman season."
Junior center Chris Jackson (6-11, 245) missed the final 10 games last season after having surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back on Feb. 25. Before he was forced to shut it down, Jackson played in 20 games, averaging 3.4 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.5 minutes. He also made 70.5 percent of his field goal attempts. The Los Alamos, N.M., native is expected to be back at full strength for the start of the season. With his size, Jackson could be a valuable asset for the Utes if he is physically able to take his game to the next level.
"After watching tape, it looked like he was just starting to come into his own before he had to have surgery," Giacoletti explains. "Chris has progressed nicely to this point, and hopefully he will continue to do so as the year goes on."
Sophomore forward Jonas Langvad (6-9, 230), who came to the U. from Skovlunde, Denmark, averaged 1.6 points and 1.8 rebounds while appearing in eight games in his first year. After working to develop his game and his body, Langvad has given Giacoletti optimism that he can play a larger role for the Utes this season.
"Jonas can really shoot the basketball," points out Giacoletti. "I think the experience he gained last year will certainly pay dividends for him. I know he's worked hard in the weight room. If he can become a factor defensively and rebound the basketball, he'll certainly help us."
Center Luke Nevill (7-0, 250) from Perth, Australia, was Giacoletti's first recruit at Utah, signing during the late period. Nevill attended Kell High School in Marietta, Ga., as an exchange student last year. Despite flying under the radar of most college coaches early on, Nevill was recruited heavily last spring after averaging 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocked shots and 2.5 assists per game. He also shot 70 percent from floor and 68 percent at the free throw line, earning honorable mention all-state and second team all-region honors.
"I think Luke has a very good future ahead of him," raves Giacoletti. "He has great, God-given ability in his hands and feet. His work ethic will determine how good he can become."
Jake Schmidt (6-7, 247), a forward from Thermopolis, Wyo., was his state's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003-04. Schmidt was an all-Wyoming selection as a senior after leading Hot Springs County High School to back-to-back state titles. He averaged 17.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, 5.3 blocked shots, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game as a senior.
"Jake is someone who can really shoot the basketball for a bigger guy. We need to work with Jake to get him in basketball shape so that he can be effective," says Giacoletti.
The Schedule
A trip to the Great Alaska Shootout over Thanksgiving weekend, and match-ups with Arizona, Colorado and LSU headline Utah's 2004-05 nonconference schedule.
The Utes draw Washington, a team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament a year ago, in the first round of the Great Alaska Shootout on Nov. 25. Alabama, which made it to the NCAA Elite Eight, and Oklahoma, and NIT second round team, are also in the tournament field.
Utah hosts Colorado of the Big 12 Conference on Dec. 30 and LSU of SEC on Jan. 3 in the Huntsman Center. Both teams played in the NIT last season. The Utes begin a home-and-home series with perennial Pac-10 power Arizona on Dec. 11 in Tucson. The Wildcats won 20 games and played in the NCAA Tournament in 2003-04. Utah also faces its three traditional in-state rivals, hosting Southern Utah (Nov. 30) and Weber State (Dec. 28), and playing at Utah State (Dec. 4).
"It's a very good schedule, and we're excited about the opportunity to play in the Great Alaska Shootout," says Giacoletti. "It's a great field, and we have a challenging opener against Washington. They're going to be very athletic and are coming off a great year. LSU and Colorado are two high-profile teams coming in. And in the trip to Arizona, we'll certainly find out where we're at as we get ready for the Mountain West Conference schedule. We're still familiarizing ourselves with the league, but I expect it to be very competitive once again this season."
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