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After showing improvement in each of his four seasons at Utah, guiding Utah to the Sweet 16 this season, athletic director Dr. Chris Hill announced that Runnin' Utes head coach Larry Krystkowiak has inked a contract extension through the 2022-2023 season, raising his salary to $2.4 million per season. Utah finished 26-9 this season and made the tournament for the first time since 2009 (where Utah was bounced as the No. 5 seed by the No. 12 seed Arizona Wildcats). Utah finished the season ranked No. 15 in the country.
"Our men's basketball program has made tremendous strides these past four seasons under Coach Krystkowiak," said Hill. "The success of a program starts with its head coach and he has provided outstanding leadership for our student-athletes. Larry is aware of his value to our program. It is clear that his success has been noted throughout the country and we are pleased to be able to solidify his commitment to our program."
Thanks to Utah's national ranking for much of the season and strong play, Utah had their highest average home attendance since the 2000-01 season.
In the NCAA Tournament this year, Utah defeated No. 12 seed Stephen F. Austin and No. 4 seed Georgetown. Utah gave No. 1 seed and national champion Duke a tough matchup but fell 63-57 (Duke's second smallest margin of victory after the five-point win against Wisconsin).
"I want to thank Dr. Hill and President Pershing for their amazing support of the men's basketball team," Krystkowiak said. "We always speak about the culture within our program and a big part of that is realizing who we are. I'm a big believer in those I work for, those I work with, and the student-athletes I get to coach. This is an amazing university with an incredible basketball program one which I feel very proud and humbled to be a part of."
Individually, Delon Wright has been named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award and was a Wooden All-American selection. The senior guard was also named a second team All-American by the USBWA and the NABC. Wright, along with freshman center Jakob Poeltl, garnered Pac-12 postseason honors.
Krystkowiak's players have also had success off the court. Utah had four players named to the Pac-12 All-Academic teams this year, the most of any school in the conference. Jeremy Olsen and Brandon Taylor were first-team selections, giving the Utes nine honorees over the last two years, also tops in the league.