Bogut brings respect back to Utah

By Ben Miller

Mar 14, 2005, 12:00 AM

In 35 minutes Andrew Bogut put up 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite his effort his team came up short, losing 100-85. However, this was not just another collegiate matchup for Bogut. Instead, the talented center was playing for the Australian national team against Lithuania in the Olympics last summer. While Australia finished ninth in the summer games, Bogut made a statement. He played against some of the best players in the world and more than held his own. As a freshman at Utah, Bogut made just as much of an impact in the Mountain West Conference last year. He started every game and averaged 12.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest in a season that saw the Utes to the National Invitation Tournament. Projected as a first-round pick in the NBA draft last year, and with head coach Rick Majerus stepping down due to medical problems, the MWC Freshman of the Year almost did not return for his sophomore season. When new Utah head coach Ray Giacoletti left Eastern Washington to take the helm in Salt Lake City, there was one recruit whom he made his number one priority. "You look like a pretty good coach when you have a player like Andrew Bogut on the team," he said. Giacoletti made the 36-hour trip down to Australia to meet with Bogut and his family to convince him to stay in college. In the end, the trip was worth it, as the 7-footer decided to return to Utah for another season. So far, his decision has turned out to be a good one for both him and the team, as Bogut has emerged as one of the best players in the nation. A Wooden Award nominee, Bogut was picked by ESPN.com as its national Player of the Year. He is currently in the top 10 in rebounding and field goal percentage in the nation and is averaging 20.6 points per game. He has led Utah, who was picked to finish second behind UNLV in the pre-season, to a 26-4 record and a conference season that saw the Utes lose only a single game en route to the regular season title. With 19 double-doubles this season, the Aussie easily took home MWC Player of the Year honors. He led the conference in rebounds, field goal percentage and scoring in the regular season. "He's the best player who's ever played in this league," said Colorado State coach Dale Layer. "He's a man playing among boys. [He] plays at a different level than anybody in our league and quite possibly 95 percent of the nation." Utah last made the Final Four in 1998 when All-American center Michael Doleac went on to be a lottery pick in the NBA draft after the season. As the NCAA tournament starts up once again this season, Bogut will try to accomplish the same feat.

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