Despite losing their first game of the season to Southern Utah University last week, the Runnin’ Utes entered this week with good news. On Monday, head coach Ray Giacoletti announced the Utes have signed two high-school seniors and a junior college transfer to national letters of intent.
Carlon Brown, a 6-foot-4 guard from Riverside, Calif., averaged 22.2 points, six rebounds and five assists during his junior season. Brown has started his entire high-school career and was recently named to the 2006-2007 “Best of the West” team, which recognizes the most prolific players in the west.
“(Brown) is probably going to remind Ute fans of Andre Miller because he’s a bigger point guard who is strong, can really push the ball and pass well,” Giacoletti said. “He is a really good fit for us, and we are excited to welcome him to our family.”
Also joining the class is Nemanja Calasan, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound post player from Midland Junior College. As a freshman last year, Calasan was a first-team all-region selection, averaging 12.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
“Nemanja is a tough, hard-nosed guy who has a chance to be a junior college All-American this year,” Giacoletti said. “He will be an excellent addition to our front line next year.”
Last but not least, the Utes picked up a high-profile in-state recruit from Riverton High School: Morgan Grim. Grim is a 6-foot-9 power forward who led his team to the 5A state championship game a year ago behind 17.4 points per game.
“Morgan is the best player in his class in the state this year and we are excited to bring him to the University of Utah,” Giacoletti said. “He can run the floor well and has a chance to be a very versatile player for us.”