Utah-BYU: Cancellation Of Men’s Basketball Series Draws Mixed Reactions

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Utah had canceled the next game of the men’s basketball series against BYU, which is scheduled to resume in December.

UTAH-BYU: CANCELLATION OF MEN’S BASKETBALL SERIES DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS

The announcement caused a wide range of reactions amongst fans and former players from both schools, from “tough” to “weird” to “absurd.” Former BYU Cougars expressed disappointment with the legendary 116-year-old rivalry series’ hiatus, while former Utes were resigned but said they “understood” Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak’s decision to cancel the series due to, according to him, excessive physical play.

Former BYU guard Jackson Emery has been involved in both sides of the feud: Utah’s Marshall Henderson once hit him in a game, while his brother Nick Emery received backlash for punching Brandon Taylor in December. Jackson Emery stated that it’s simply the nature of the beast. During a 2005 meeting between the two rivals, Utah’s Andrew Bogut dunked and crashed down into BYU’s Chris Miles, who then kicked at Bogut and ran back in the other direction while the latter was still on the floor.

“How much more heated is this game compared to other games or rivalries? Heat and rivalry should go together,” said Emery. “That is what makes it a rivalry.”
This rivalry has of course shifted since Utah headed to the Pac-12 and BYU joined the West Coast Conference.

Another possible factor in determining the change in dynamic between the two teams is the departure of Krystkowiak, who was on a contract as required by the series. Krystkowiak stepped out on the final game of the recent contract. BYU coach Dave Rose stated Wednesday that the future of the series may be “scary” and tough to come to terms with.

Many fans also remain very split on their opinions regarding the series cancellation. Of 150 Utah fans that responded, 98 said they either agreed with the decision to cancel the series or were indifferent. About half of the Utah fans respondents said they wish to see the series to continue eventually, even if not later this year.

“So much is built around those two teams playing one another,” former Ute Bryant Markson, who was present during the 2005 Bogut-Miles incident, stated. “I had great experiences with it, especially when we could get a win. It’s discouraging for them as well as the fans, I’m sure.”

Caption:SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 2: Nate Austin #33 of the Brigham Young Cougars and Jakob Poeltl #42 of the Utah Utes try for the ball in the second half of the Utes 83-75 win at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on December 2, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)