Tavita's absence would hurt

News that freshman guard Jace Tavita may not be playing for Utah this year (see full story on website) will hurt the basketball program but won’t be devastating if it happens.
Tavita is one of five freshman recruits in Jim Boylen’s first full recruiting class. While some of the new guys will likely redshirt, Tavita is a player who probably wouldn’t and he would likely play right away for Utes, at least be in the top 9 or 10 players this year. Boylen loves Tavita’s toughness, a trait he is trying to instill into his team.
If Tavita is ruled ineligible and Utah’s appeals don’t work, he wouldn’t be able to play at Utah for two years until he gets his associate’s degree. I know coach Boylen is still looking at players for next year that could fill a scholarship spot it Tavita doesn’t make it, but the Utes would be a scholarship short this season.