Utah dominated the boards in a season-opening win at Nevada, even with the Utes’ tallest player remaining on the bench on Tuesday.
Matt Van Komen, Utah’s 7-foot-4 freshman center from Pleasant Grove High School, is expected to become part of a three-man rotation at the position as the season develops, coach Larry Krystkowiak said Thursday. Van Komen’s debut could come Friday night vs. Mississippi Valley State at the Huntsman Center.
Two other freshmen, 7-0 Branden Carlson and 6-10 Lahat Thioune, combined to play 38 of the 40 minutes in a 79-74 victory, with Krystkowiak briefly using a smaller lineup.