Utah basketball: Guiot leaving program

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Preston Guiot's reason for playing for Utah is gone, which means he is leaving, too.

Guiot, a 6-foot, 185-pound guard out of Bolivar, Mo., said he is transferring to play for his father, who coaches at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, because he came to Utah to play for Jim Boylen, who was fired March 12.

"I really liked coach Boylen, and when he got fired that kind of made my decision," he said.

"Playing time was a factor also, and losing isn't fun," he added. "I don't want to go through another season like that."

Guiot said backup wing Antonio DiMaria also plans to transfer. Already, the Utes have granted releases to Will Clyburn and J.J. O'Brien, although both have indicated they might remain in the program.

Guards Josh Watkins and Dominique Lee have yet to decide whether they will ask for releases.

Lya Wodraska