SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) — The second driest state within the nation, Utah, doesn’t contribute a lot water to the Colorado River because it flows from Rocky Mountain headwaters via Canyonlands Nationwide Park to Lake Powell.
Utah has a novel place in the course of the river basin, geographically and politically, and it wields much less affect than thirstier and extra populous states like Colorado, California and Arizona.
Its sprawling city facilities alongside the Wasatch Entrance, that are house to 80% of the state’s inhabitants, are exterior of the Colorado River Basin and are much less depending on the river than cities like Phoenix or Las Vegas. Solely 27% of the water utilized in Utah comes from the Colorado River, with the vast majority of the state’s water provide coming from different rivers that feed into the Nice Salt Lake.
The Colorado river helps 42 million folks immediately – the present scenario which is because of get even worse subsequent 12 months isn’t a “problem” for engineers – it’s a regional extinction occasion. pic.twitter.com/OblWqLwS15
EDITOR’S NOTE: That is a part of a collaborative collection on the Colorado River because the one hundredth anniversary of the historic Colorado River Compact approaches. The Related Press, The Colorado Solar, The Albuquerque Journal, The Salt Lake Tribune, The Arizona Each day Star and The Nevada Impartial are working collectively to discover the pressures on the river in 2022.
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Underneath a 1948 settlement, Utah is entitled to 23% of the water utilized by the 4 states within the higher Colorado River Basin — receiving much less water than Colorado however greater than both Wyoming or New Mexico — and it usually makes use of round 1 million acre-feet of water from the Colorado yearly.
For many years, Utah has sought to develop diversions from the river by pursuing initiatives just like the controversial Lake Powell pipeline, which might transport 86,000 acre-feet of water from the reservoir to St. George and surrounding areas. However the state’s use has remained comparatively static since 1994 regardless of its fast-growing inhabitants.
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Insightful Colorado River compact humor in as we speak’s Boulder Each day Digicam. pic.twitter.com/N1U8rGMljg
Twenty-two years of drought within the basin have prompted the Bureau of Reclamation to place extra strain on Utah and the six different Colorado River states to scale back use and abandon improvement plans, nevertheless, and the states are gearing up for renegotiations of water use pointers that expire in 2026.
Utah’s designated consultant within the discussions, Colorado River Commissioner of Utah Gene Shawcroft, mentioned the drought has made planning tough.
“It’s exhausting to look out 4 or 5 years in case you can’t see previous subsequent spring,” Shawcroft mentioned. “A part of our problem all alongside has been to actually concentrate on the renegotiations after we’re confronted with such a vital day-to-day scenario.”
Shawcroft mentioned Utah is dedicated to planning for 2026 whereas additionally taking part in additional instant water negotiations such because the Bureau of Reclamation’s name for water customers throughout the basin to scale back use by as a lot as 30% subsequent 12 months to stabilize quickly depleting ranges in lakes Powell and Mead.
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About 40 million folks within the Western United States rely upon water from the Colorado River, and the whole nation advantages from meals farmed with its waters. https://t.co/BnRuG1DAAs pic.twitter.com/2TVyCEZGO1
Utah is aggressively pursuing conservation measures via a broad suite of state laws handed this 12 months, Shawcroft added, together with a legislation that enables farmers to forgo irrigation with out dropping their water rights. However he mentioned bringing the system again into steadiness will doubtless require the most important cuts to return from the biggest water customers in downstream states.
Jack Schmidt, director of the Heart for Colorado River Research at Utah State College, mentioned that since 2001 agriculture has used over two-thirds of the Colorado River water in Utah. A further 15% is pumped out of the basin, primarily to provide the Wasatch Entrance.
Over 300,000 acres of land within the state are irrigated with Colorado River water, principally to develop forage crops to feed livestock like alfalfa.
“In mild of the truth that 70% of the whole Colorado River water is utilized by (agriculture),” Schmidt mentioned, “it’s exhausting to think about that agriculture gained’t be taking essentially the most vital cuts.”
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However reductions in water use don’t essentially have to harm farmers’ financial institution accounts. “Agriculture very effectively could be pretty compensated for fallowing its fields,” he mentioned.
Kayaking on the Colorado river as we speak… does it get any higher than this? ☀️🚣🏻♀️ pic.twitter.com/Nn2usnQnTg
Environmental teams just like the Utah Rivers Council have pointed to Utah’s residential water use — the best within the basin, per capita — and low water charges as proof that extra conservation in that sector is feasible and wanted.
The potential retirement of coal crops in Utah within the subsequent decade, which use 6% of the Colorado River water, might additionally liberate some provide for conservation or different makes use of.
One other consideration is tribal water rights in Utah, which have to be happy via the state’s share of Colorado River water.
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A courtroom decree has acknowledged the Ute Indian Tribe’s proper to 144,000 acre-feet of water, however the tribe could obtain much more water if it settles its water rights claims with the state and the federal authorities.
The Utah portion of the Navajo Nation settled its water rights in Might and has a acknowledged proper to 81,500 acre-feet.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez mentioned his administration’s precedence is to provide the 1000’s of Navajo houses in Utah that also lack working water, however he mentioned the tribe may contemplate leasing the rest of its water to different customers.
“If we’re going to be sitting on paper water, as they are saying,” Nez mentioned, “and we’re not in a position to make use of it, we’d as effectively lease it to those who are in want.”
All of those components will doubtless have a task to play because the basin states renegotiate pointers earlier than 2026.
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Utah’s targets within the upcoming discussions, in response to Shawcroft, will likely be to push for better adaptability whereas working to make sure that states share water surpluses or cuts equitably as availability modifications.
“I believe we must be resilient throughout a variety of flows,” he mentioned, “whether or not they be decrease … or greater.”
The Utah Jazz will soon be beneficiaries of the Minnesota Timberwolves in this year’s 2025 NBA Draft, thanks to the Rudy Gobert trade back in the summer of 2022. In that deal, the Utah Jazz got a plethora of draft capital, including the pick where we selected fan favorite point guard, Keyonte George (16th pick in 2023). The Timberwolves’ pick is currently slotted at the 16th pick in the upcoming draft but are only two games away from being tied for the projected 9th overall pick in the draft! Let’s take a closer look at two prospects the Utah Jazz could select.
After a scorching hot start, the BYU Cougars 6’9 point guard, Egor Demin, has begun to fall in mock drafts due to poor performance vs high-level competition. Egor Demin was a highly touted prospect coming into the draft, and in his first few weeks of action with the Cougars he was projected as a top 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Showing a display of phenomenal court vision, precise passing, great athleticism, and the ability to finish around the rim, many draft analysts fell in love with his tools and unteachable abilities which launched him in draft conversations early. However, his recent play has drawn negative buzz, and analysts are asking themselves if Demin is even worthy of being selected with a lottery pick.
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So, what went wrong? Why is Demin not projected to go top 5 anymore, let alone inside of the top 10? Now, Demin can be drafted in the top 10 because all it takes is one team, and who knows, that team could be the Utah Jazz. Egor has not been playing like it since his matchup on December 3rd vs Providence where he tallied 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, and shooting a total of 0/10 FG, 0/5 from 3, and 6/6 FTM. This was by far the worst performance anyone has seen out of the projected top 5 picks in the draft, and possibly the worst out of every projected lottery pick thus far. Things have gotten better since then, but not by much. He struggles to create his own shot meaning he cannot generate anything without a screen. His 3-point struggles have been apparent, and the FT% indicates that he is further behind on the shot than what we once thought. If he cannot do these things, should we consider him a point guard or a lead ball-handler? I think not. I believe that Egor Demin is a point forward or a wing who can be utilized as a connective passer.
Another important consideration with Egor is his current status as a questionable primary ball handler which I stated earlier. His limited offensive bag raises concerns about his ability to create offense in isolation or under pressure. This lack of a complete offensive game could mean that Demin will need to transition to more of an off-ball role in the NBA, at least in the early stages of his career.
However, this shift to off-ball play brings up an additional question: if Demin struggles to shoot consistently, what will his overall offensive impact be at the next level? In today’s NBA, off-ball players often rely on their shooting ability to space the floor, and without a reliable jumper, it becomes harder to contribute meaningfully during games. His inability to stretch the floor could limit his definitiveness, especially if opposing defenses can sag off him and give him less space to operate — essentially giving him “the Ben Simmons treatment”.
Though these concerns and questions are scary, they are not permanent either. They can be improved upon, and even if they don’t get better there is still a legitimate path for him to find success in the NBA despite it being harder, trickier, and possibly more unconventional. We see connective wings in today’s NBA that have a questionable shot such as guys like Kyle Anderson, Draymond Green, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Josh Giddey, so let’s not write him off just yet.
Why would Egor Demin be worth taking if you are the Utah Jazz?
Egor Demin is a truly exceptional athlete whose physical tools, combined with his advanced basketball IQ, make him a standout prospect. His unteachable passing ability sets him apart, as he consistently makes the right reads and demonstrates an innate understanding of the game. This rare combination of vision and court awareness allows him to operate effectively in a variety of offensive sets, creating opportunities for his teammates and maintaining fluid ball movement. In addition to his playmaking, Demin has shown flashes of impressive finishing ability, showcasing his ability to get to the basket and play above the rim. His explosiveness and agility make him a potent threat when attacking the hoop, and with some refinement, he could develop into a truly versatile offensive player.
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One of the most compelling aspects of Demin’s game is his size and length, which are well-suited for his position. At his current stage, he fits the exact type of positional size the Utah Jazz have been targeting in recent years. his physical attributes allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His length provides him with the ability to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, making him a potential defender with time and development. His size will also allow the Utah Jazz to crash the glass at a much higher rate on both ends, ultimately bringing more possessions to the Jazz.
Despite his raw talent and promising traits, Demin is still a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His development will depend heavily on refining certain areas of his game, particularly his ball handling and shooting consistency. If he can improve his ability to control the ball in tight spaces and become more consistent with his shot, he has the potential to be a game-changer on both ends of the floor. His raw tools combined with his basketball intelligence make him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.
For the Jazz, Demin represents a unique opportunity to add a player with tremendous upside. With the right developmental structure and a focus on improving his weaknesses, he could evolve into a star who contributes significantly on both ends of the court.
BYU alums, Danny Ainge and Ryan Smith’s connection with BYU and their coaching staff is very strong. Back in 2022 as the Jazz were hunting for a coach, current BYU Head Coach, Kevin Young, made it far into the interview process but did not end up getting the job over current Utah Jazz HC Will Hardy. This connection between the two organizations provides the Jazz with inside information on everything about Egor Demin & his progression which could lead to smoother and faster development at the next level
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Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
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Ben Saraf: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Ben Saraf’s stats: 12.8 PPG | 4.2 APG | 3.1 RPG | 1.2 SPG | 48% FG | 28% 3FG | 73% FT
Ben Saraf is a 6’5 left-handed guard that is playing for Ratiopharm Ulm, a club based in Germany. He broke onto the scene during the 2024 U18 Fiba Euro Cup where he averaged 28.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 5.3 apg, 4.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, on 45% FG and 36% from 3 leading Israel to 4th place in the tournament.
Ben Saraf is a player who has grown on me over time. Initially, I had him ranked lower than I should have, though I’ve always recognized his all-around game. His versatility, poise, and maturity for his age are standout qualities that have me rethinking where he stands among this class of prospects. Despite having positional questions in the past, I now see him as a highly dynamic player who can impact the game in multiple ways. The more I watch him, the more I believe he’s a potential top 8 talent, though it’s still early in his development. Most boards have him ranked around the middle of the first round.
Saraf brings a lot to the table on both ends. Not only does he boast good positional size and natural tools, but his feel for the game is also very impressive. He plays with more craft than he does explosiveness — even though he showcases his athleticism often — making him a unique player. He showcases impressive skill standing at 6’5 and solid strength, which allows him to play with versatility. His playmaking ability stands out, as he has a natural feel for creating opportunities for others and makes the right reads. Saraf excels in the pick and roll, showing a great understanding of how to manipulate defenders and deliver precise passes. His ability to snake dribble, score, and play off of two feet in the pick-and-roll adds to his dynamism and potential as a draft prospect. Saraf also displays a strong ability to absorb contact and finish in traffic at an effective rate.
His basketball IQ is another key aspect of his game, as he consistently makes smart decisions on both ends of the floor. Although he’s not considered a standout defender, his size and instincts should make him more manageable defensively than many other guard prospects.
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He relies on his left hand extremely often and needs a lot of work to finish on the right side of the basket. However, his overall game shows a solid foundation, and with further development, Saraf has the potential to elevate his ceiling in the coming years.
Averaging 28 points in 33 minutes, Ben Saraf was nearly unstoppable for long stretches of the U18 Eurobasket. It’s difficult not to be bullish about his NBA outlook, considering his sheer productivity, scoring instincts, competitiveness and excellent feel for the game. pic.twitter.com/2AZ1VgKzBC
Playing for Ratiopharm Ulm in the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Saraf is competing against some of the best talent Europe has to offer. The BBL is one of the premier domestic leagues in Europe, featuring a blend of established veteran players, young rising stars, and NBA-caliber talent. For Saraf, the level of competition is already much higher than what many NCAA prospects face. The players in the BBL are often seasoned pros with years of experience playing against elite teams in European competitions like the EuroCup and Euro League.
This exposure to high-level basketball gives Saraf an edge when it comes to preparing for the NBA. Unlike college players who may only face tough competition in a handful of games each season, Saraf is playing in a league where every game is against experienced players. The defensive schemes in the BBL are also more advanced than those in many college systems, forcing Saraf to constantly adjust and refine his offensive game.
“In Euro League it’s obviously just as tough [as the NBA]. The guys are athletic, maybe the spacing is a little different.” – BasketNews “Carsen Edwards Ranks Hardest Leagues To Score In” on YouTube
Playing overseas gives Saraf and advantage in terms of maturity and experience. The pace of the game in Europe is similar to the NBA, but the IQ and physicality of the players overseas force players to think through situations more thoroughly compared to how you would do it in college. This type of experience is invaluable as it prepares Saraf for the transition to the NBA, where strategic execution and adaptability are very important.
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21 points in 25 minutes for Ben Saraf in his German BBL debut in Ulm’s road win over Chemnitz. The 6’6, 18-year old Israeli guard was MVP of the U18 Eurobasket and is starting to show his productivity translates vs men also. pic.twitter.com/XKZFIdgT9I
Both Demin & Saraf could add a lot to the table for the Utah Jazz as they continue to rebuild. If they were to land one of these guys with the Minnesota Timberwolves pick and pair them with whoever the Jazz select with their projected top 5 pick, I would be very optimistic about the direction of the franchise. Which one would I prefer between the two? Ben Saraf (Sorry, BYU fans).
One of the more surprising showouts of the Utah Jazz‘s 2024-25 season has been the emergence of third-year wing Johnny Juzang. The UCLA product has shown out as a strong option on the perimeter and could be a key cog in Utah’s rebuild for years to come.
Recently, the 22-year-old suffered from a hand fracture that kept him out of the Jazz’s most recent contest vs. the Phoenix Suns. Yet, don’t expect Juzang to be out of action for long.
According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, the Jazz see Juzang being back in the lineup sooner rather than later, as long.
“Jazz say they don’t anticipate Johnny Juzang to be out super long with his hand fracture injury: once the inflammation subsides, they ‘anticipate he will be able to play with the fracture as pain tolerates.”
– Andy Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune
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In 32 games this season, Juzang has averaged 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 41.8% from the field and an impressive 40.0% from three. With the 23-year-old in the lineup, it provides much-improved spacing and versatility for this Jazz offense– one that’s ranked 19th in the NBA this season in offensive rating.
Juzang’s next opportunity to suit up lies closely ahead on Sunday with their battle vs. the Brooklyn Nets, though with the status of his hand fracture clouding his availability, it could be a long shot to see him back to action so quickly. However, the recent statement from Utah provides some optimism about seeing him return this coming week.
The front of the rim. The back of the rim, then the top of the backboard. The edge of the rim, back iron, glass and iron again.
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Then, finally, it fell through the net.
Down two late against the Boise State Broncos, Martinez hit a 3-pointer and was fouled with 7.3 seconds to play. The senior completed the four-point play to give USU an 81-79 win on Saturday night.
“I have no words, it’s crazy,” Martinez said. “First of all, all the glory to God and to my teammates who have been keeping me up and confident. I haven’t been shooting the ball so great lately, so just coming in today and being able to make some shots to help the team win makes me really happy.
“Yeah, that last shot was crazy.”
Utah State’s run to this point has been pretty crazy, too.
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The Aggies are on their third coach in as many years. But newcomer Jerrod Calhoun has the Aggies at No. 25 in the Associate Press poll and sitting at 16-1.
Martinez scored 18 points and helped fuel another Utah State come-from-behind victory. The Broncos went on a 9-0 run to start the second half and USU trailed by 13 at one point in the period.
Utah State battled back with the 3-ball. The Aggies made 11 of their 21 attempts on the night — going 7 of 8 from deep after intermission, including Martinez’s game-winner.
“I think it’s just what Utah State does,” Martinez said. “Even taking us back to last year, a lot of times toward the end when the game was really close, we were able to close out the game. It doesn’t matter who’s coaching the team or who’s playing, I feel like it’s just part of the culture. We’re just tough and we’re going to do whatever it takes to win the game.”
Deyton Albury (14), Drake Allen (13), Dexter Akanno (12) and Mason Falslev (10) also scored in double figures for USU.
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“That’s as good of a college basketball game as you’ll find. Play after play, multiple guys,” Calhoun said. “Everybody’s going to talk about Ian’s shot, but the pass by Drake and the screen by KT (Karson Templin). Deyton Albury had big minutes, Dexter Akanno had big minutes, and Mason. This is a team in every sense, and it’s fun to be a part of. We’re going to look back on this as one of those really big moments inside the Spectrum.”
Forward Tyson Degenhart led Boise State with 22 points.
The Aggies are now 6-0 in Mountain West Conference play. Utah State next heads to Las Vegas to take on UNLV on Wednesday night.
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