Utah Faces Butler in Inaugural College Basketball Crown Tournament

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Utah Runnin’ Utes will face off against the Butler Bulldogs in the first round of the College Basketball Crown tournament on Monday at 1 p.m. Mountain Standard Time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This marks a 20-day interval since Utah’s last game, which ended in a first-round loss to UCF in the Big 12 tournament.

The tournament, featuring 16 teams, introduces a unique structure where competing programs have the chance to earn a portion of a $500,000 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund. This twist coincides with NCAA Tournament excitement, where only the Final Four is left standing.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s new, something new for everybody,” said Utah sophomore forward Jake Wahlin. “It means a lot to have this last chance to compete with each other and go out with a bang.”

The Utes have experienced internal changes recently; head coach Craig Smith was let go on February 24, with assistant coach Josh Eilert stepping in as interim head coach. Despite the shifting dynamic, players are optimistic about their chances in the tournament.

The college basketball world is keeping a keen eye on the two first-round games involving Utah (16-16) and Butler (14-19), along with other notable matchups, including Arizona State and Cincinnati. The stakes are high, as teams aim for a share of the lucrative NIL packages being offered.

The tournament will take place in Las Vegas with the first two rounds at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the semifinals and finals at T-Mobile Arena. Given the delay between games, the Utes have utilized the time to heal and refocus.

“We gave them a week off, then transitioned back into the weight room and individual skill work,” Eilert explained. “In the last week, we moved back into full practice mode.”

Utah sophomore forward Keanu Dawes expressed the importance of maintaining team unity under challenging circumstances. “There’s not many egos. It’s a good group of good people,” Dawes stated. “This is a good opportunity to grow my relationship with these guys as we finish up.”

The potential financial rewards combined with the drive to win have amplified the excitement surrounding the College Basketball Crown. Teams that make the final four will split the NIL funding, and the tournament format aims to provide an experience comparable to postseason bowl games in college football.

“In a lot of ways, I think there’s more excitement to play in the Crown than in tournaments like the NIT,” Eilert added. “There’s a lot of buzz around this tournament, and our players are responding positively.”

Utah is also facing off against teams, including Nebraska, with former Ute Rollie Worster now playing for the Cornhuskers. If both teams win their opening games, they might meet in the semifinals.

Despite nine players in the transfer portal, the Utes expect a near-complete roster in Las Vegas, with only one player absent due to NFL draft preparations.

Wahlin, who is amongst those in the transfer portal, noted his desire to play and compete in the postseason with the Utes. “I’m thankful for that opportunity. I just love these guys,” Wahlin said. “We all love basketball, and any chance to keep playing together, we’re going to take.”

With aspirations to be crowned the first champions of the College Basketball Crown, Dawes declared, “We want to finish on top. Nobody knows what the future holds, but this might be our last time playing together, so we just want to win.”