Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak dismissed senior point guard Josh "Jiggy" Watkins from the team for violating unspecified team rules.

"It was one of the hardest things I ever did," Krystkowiak said. "I thought about it for 30 hours or so and leaned on a lot of people and prayed. But it was the best thing for our program."

Watkins was leading the Utes with 15.6 points and 4.8 assists per game. He also topped the team in minutes played (31.1 per game) and steals (17).

In a released statement earlier in the day, Krystkowiak noted that the integrity of the program as a whole cannot by sacrificed by any individual.

"The well-being of our program will always come first," he said. "This was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I really wish Josh well and I hope he remains at Utah to finish his degree."