Utes dedicate win to hospitalized point guard Glen Dean

Jason Washburn called the Utes 71-59 win over Idaho State Friday a "full-team effort."

Well, it's almost a full team.

Glen Dean remained in University Hospital Friday night, 48 hours removed from brain surgery that repaired a congenital blood vessel malformation. The Utes dedicated their first victory over a Division I team to Dean, a junior from Seattle who is sitting out this season after transferring from Eastern Washington.

"Glen's a guy who pushes us so hard in practice," Washburn said. "He's just so much about the team, it's not even comparable to anybody. He loves being here, he hates that he can't play."

First-year coach Larry Krystkowiak said the Utes planned to visit Dean in the hospital after the win.

"I'm just picturing him just sitting up there in the hospital room tonight and listening to the game," Krystkowiak said. "We're all excited to see him."

Dean first noticed symptoms on Dec. 6 while lifting weights with fellow transfer Aaron Dotson. He couldn't see clearly, he had migraines.

On Wednesday he underwent surgery and Friday morning team physician Dr. David Petron said Dean was expected to make a full recovery.

Krystkowiak said Dean would spend two-to-three more days in the hospital and planned on returning home to Seattle for several days over the Christmas break.

"He should be ready to get back full-time after the New Year and be a part of it again," Krystkowiak said.

Dean led Eastern Washington in points and assists both seasons with the Eagles. His first year he was named the Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year.

boram@sltrib.com

Twitter: @oramb