Photo: Clint Peterson

Editor: We’re pleased to introduce Ben White with this guest post on the Utah Runnin’ Utes. We’re hoping he can do more Utah basketball coverage for us in the future, because, y’know, at least LostTacoVendor will read it. You can follow Ben on Twitter at @UtahsMrSports

As we get closer to the Christmas season, it’s time to send our Runnin’ Ute wish list to the man in the North Pole. Will Santa bring what this team needs to keep progressing?

That remains to be seen.

But in the meantime, here is what’s on my wish list for the players:

Glen Dean: A couple more inches.

Glen has been the solid point guard that this team has lacked since the graduation of Mark Jackson back in 2005. Getting the team into the offense, hitting open shots, and playing pesky on-ball defense; this guy is doing it all. But at his stature (5’10”) he is going to
have a tough time in Pac-12 play.

Jarred DuBois: Another year.

Jarred came to the team as a senior transfer after 3 years at Loyola Marymount. He has been a steadying presence with his experience. If only he could stay on board beyond his one-year journey.

Cedric Martin: Aggression pills.

Cedric is the perfect glue guy. He does all the little things. But he doesn’t take advantage of his shot enough. The cliché is he’s “selfish to a fault”. The Utes need him to take those open shots he gets.

Jordan Loveridge: A season pass to his favorite massage parlor.

For better or worse, Jordan will be asked to carry this team offensively this season. Though just a freshman, he is the most versatile scorer on the roster. He will surely feel that burden on his still-developing shoulders.

Dallin Bachynski: A calendar.

Someone needs to tell this guy that he’s either a) not in the 80’s or b) not on his mission anymore. His hairstyle reflects that he is trapped somewhere in one of those places. Other than that, this kid has been an animal. No one knew he would be this dominant. It makes you wonder how he got so little time at SUU.

Aaron Dotson: A healthy leg.

Dotson has yet to appear for the Utes due to some injury trouble. He is expected to provide some scoring punch once he returns. If he can stay healthy, he can ensure that Loveridge’s season pass to the massage parlor gets used less frequently.

Jason Washburn and David Foster: Gold Medals.

These two have been through it all. They have seen literally DOZENS of teammates transfer to other teams when the going got tough. Through it all, they have remained committed to this team and this program. Now this year, his senior year, Washburn has lost his starting spot to the sophomore Bachynski. Instead of whining, he has played with a sense of urgency. If anyone has ever earned a gold medal, it’s Jason Washburn. Foster was forced to retire due to injury. Now, he helps out the coaching staff. The commitment of these two is astounding. No one would have blamed them if they had left. Yet, here they are.

Dakari Tucker, Justin Seymour, Renan Lenz, Brandon Taylor, and Jeremy Olsen: A crystal ball.

These kids need to be able to look down the road a couple years. It may be tough now, not getting the time they want. But they will have their day. If they stick with this program, they’ll be rewarded.

Larry Krsytkowiak: Support from the fans.

Even in this weekend’s tournament, where admission was FREE with a measly can of food, the attendance at the Huntsman Center was pitiful. Particularly the MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section). I get it, its Thanksgiving. But they can do better than that. Quite frankly, they NEED to do better than that. Ace recruit Brekkott Chapman comes to almost every home game. Does anyone think he and other recruits want to come to the U over places like UCLA and Arizona with an atmosphere this pitiful?

Whatever the man with the bag brings this Christmas, Happy Holidays!