Two weeks after returning from a foot injury to boost the Utah men’s basketball team’s tournament hopes, Morgan Grimm is moving on.
Monday, the sophomore forward was granted a release from his scholarship by head coach Jim Boylen.
“We would like to thank Morgan for his work and contribution to this program,” Boylen said. “He will leave in good standing as a student-athlete and we wish him luck in the next stage of his collegiate career.”
Like all underclassmen not named Carlon Brown, Grimm played less than six minutes per game and averaged just 0.8 points and 0.9 rebounds per game. Although not originally recruited by Boylen, Grimm started his career at Utah with the former Michigan State assistant. He spent 18 games on the bench with a foot injury before returning in the first round of the Mountain West Conference tournament in Utah’s buzzer-beater win against TCU.
The former Mr. Utah basketball player from Riverton seems to want more playing time.
“I am very thankful for my time at Utah,” said Grimm. “However, I believe it is in my best interest to continue my career at another institution. I appreciate the chance to be a Ute but I think it is time to explore other opportunities.”
The move should benefit both parties, as Utah has six incoming players next season.
Boylen’s new recruiting class includes guard Marshall Henderson, swingmen Matt Read, Jay Watkins and Shawn Glover, and center Jeremy Olsen, all of whom hail from outside the state.
Rounding out the new faces for Boylen is 7-foot-2-inch center David Foster, who is returning from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
With Grimm leaving, the Runnin’ Utes are down to three in-state players: freshmen Jace Tavita, Josh Sharp and walk-on sophomore Tre Smith.
Morgan Grimm