Larry Krystkowiak targeted by Cal as a coaching candidate?

The California Golden Bears are looking for a replacement head coach. Jon Rothstein at CBS Sports does report that Larry Krystkowiak is on the short list among Cal coaching targets.

First of all, it's true that there are connections between Krystkowiak and Montgomery. He played basketball at Montana for Montgomery from 1982 to 1986 and was, and they would both leave after that season for the NBA and Stanford respectively.

The two are quite fond of each other obviously.

Montgomery, well known for his quiver of sarcastic barbs, is about as far from an old softie as you can get, but he did recall a special moment he shared with Krystkowiak after his senior season in '85-86:

"We shook hands when he left," Montgomery said. "I said, 'Thanks for getting me the Stanford job,' and he said, 'Thanks for getting me to the NBA.' He is one of those guys who is very special."

Utah's Coach K recalled that moment, too:

"He was hard to please. He never gave you the sense that you accomplished anything in four years. After the last game of my senior year, he sat down and said, 'You turned into a pretty good player.' I remember thinking, 'Geez, I've arrived.' He had a sense for how to push your buttons. We had a solid relationship."

That being said, I doubt Krystkowiak can be convinced to leave Salt Lake City at this juncture to fill into Monty's shoes. The growing pains are over for Krystkowiak at Utah. The Utes have rebuilt themselves from the hot mess they were two years back and are now set to be one of the most competitive teams in the Pac-12 next season. They were bordering on an NCAA Tournament berth last year and will almost certainly make the Dance in 2013-14 if they keep at the pace they're going.

Additionally, Montgomery has already made it clear which of his disciples he wants to steer Cal next; current Golden Bear associate head coach Travis DeCuire. I imagine if Cal decides to hire a former Monty pupil, it will be from within their program.