The Utah Utes’ Big 12 Tournament run came to an abrupt end as they struggled to find their offensive rhythm. They fell to the UCF Knights, shooting a disappointing 4 for 26 from beyond the arc. Despite staying competitive through the first half, the Utes couldn’t counter their opponent’s second-half offensive surge.
The absence of leading scorer Ezra Ausar, who was sidelined with a knee injury, proved costly as Utah lacked firepower at the rim. Interim head coach Josh Eilert, along with players Gabe Madsen and Keanu Dawes, reflected on the loss and the tumultuous final weeks of their season.
Josh Eilert Praises Team’s Resilience Through Adversity
Interim coach Josh Eilert expressed pride in how his players handled the coaching transition, emphasizing their unwavering commitment despite the unexpected leadership change.
“They didn’t choose me as their leader, but they didn’t skip a beat. They continued to battle for me each and every night” Eilert stated, clearly emotional about the bond formed with his team.
The interim coach pointed to offensive tentativeness as a key factor in the second-half collapse, noting he had challenged his players to attack the rim more aggressively when outside shots weren’t falling. Eilert specifically praised Keanu Dawes’ development highlighting his growth mindset and increasing value to the program.
When asked about potentially extending the season in another tournament, Eilert didn’t hesitate to express his enthusiasm.
“I’m 100% all in. I’m excited about it. I know players have to make decisions, but I think it’d be special to have another opportunity to battle with these guys.”
The coach reserved special recognition for senior Gabe Madsen, commending not just his athletic contributions but also his character.
“Gabe personifies loyalty. He gave four years to the University of Utah, and his contributions will go down in the record books. I’m more proud of just the person he is.”
Players Reflect on Team Chemistry and Uncertain Future
“One of my favorite teams I’ve played on,” Gabe Madsen said while acknowledging the emotional complexity of the moment. “I don’t even really know how to feel right now,” he admitted, expressing openness to continuing in another postseason tournament while understanding not everyone might share that desire.
The senior guard referenced his personally challenging season, calling it “up and down” and “a little frustrating,” but consistently circled back to his appreciation for his teammates. His affection for the group was evident as he stated, “If that was the last one, then it goes down as one of my favorite groups.”
Keanu Dawes, despite delivering a double-double performance, remained focused on the team’s result rather than personal achievements.
“It’s definitely up there, but at the same time, we didn’t really win, so in my opinion, it doesn’t really mean anything,” the young forward remarked, demonstrating his team-first mentality.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UTES’ NEW HC: Alex Jensen Set To Take Over as Utah’s Next Head Coach
When asked about incoming head coach Alex Jensen, Dawes described their interactions as limited but positive, noting they’d only had a formal introduction at the hotel with minimal basketball discussion. This transition period leaves questions about the program’s future direction as players contemplate their next steps.
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