Utah’s basketball program, which can use all the help it can get, has booted its leading scorer and assist man.
Citing Utes coach Larry Krystkowiak, the Associated Press reported that senior point guard Josh “Jiggy” Watkins was kicked off the team for team rules violations.
Watkins, who has averaged 15.6 points and 4.8 assists this season, was suspended earlier this season as well. The AP reported that Krystkowiak installed a no-tolerance policy for player tardiness at practices and meetings.
Under its first-year coach, Utah has struggled to a 4-13 record, including a 1-4 mark in Pac-12 play. Watkins lifted the Utes to their lone conference win with a game-winner that beat Washington State on January 5.
Utah wasn’t going anywhere this season – with or without Watkins – so we think that the hard line taken by Krystkowiak was a good move for his program going forward.
[ESPN.com]
