than big Rick - because coaching/scouting is better than the 90s. Rick had great success in the tourney by having teams that were far better prepared than the opponent. I remember being a little shocked that AZ & North Carolina did very little game prep for the Utes in 98. How do I know that? I saw interviews with AZ and NC players shortly before the game and they admitted that they knew nothing about Utah's players or schemes. Meanwhile Utah knew the tendencies of each player and they had learned all of the opponents plays. A play would form, the Utes would call out their pet name for the opponents play and beat the opposing player to the spot. Larry K prepares nearly as well as Majerus, but Duke actually did major preparation for Utah - so the bar is much higher.

I am hopeful that Larry will actually exceed Majerus in recruiting by having players stay all 4 years (or until they leave early for the NBA). Rick's personality drove players away. I would say - good luck finding another Andre Miller, but Delon & Poetl are a good start.

All of this is moot if Larry K leaves for another school. I hope he stays. I don't think money is an issue. Larry K saved tons of money from his NBA days and Huntsman is writing him very large checks each year to go along with a big salary. I think/hope Larry's family wants to stay in the west. Only AZ, UCLA and possibly Gonzaga are better jobs than Utah in the west.