Utah Basketball - A smaller Loveridge. A better Loveridge?

At the end of his freshman season, Utah freshman forward Jordan Loveridge weighed in at 242 pounds.

The power forward/small forward looks a little different now.

Loveridge is a little smaller now, 227 pounds to be exact. That's the product of a strict workout plan, along with smarter eating habits. He doesn't want to stop there, as Loveridge could enter his sophomore season at 220 pounds.

His weight has always been something for him to watch. And while Loveridge was matchup problem as a stretch power forward this year in Larry Krystkowiak's offense, his goal is to move to small forward at some point in his Ute career.

That probably won't happen this year, at least not on a fulltime basis. He's penciled in to start at his power forward spot from last season, along with playing 30 minutes a game. If Loveridge plays at the lighter weight, and adds strength to his core, he stands to be a more explosive player off the dribble.

That can help Utah's offense, which is based on a bevy of pick and rolls on each possession. Loveridge has also worked on his ballhandling and his shooting. He was one of Utah's better 3-point marksman in his freshman season. But he knows that has to improve for the Utes to improve upon winning four of their final five games at the end of 2013.

Tony Jones