On Wednesday, May 3, former University of Utah forward Kyle Kuzma announced via twitter that he would not be returning to the Runnin’ Utes for his senior season, and he would instead hire an agent and remain in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Kuzma was originally testing the draft waters with the opportunity to return to Utah if the draft did not seem like the best option for him, but the Flint, Mich. native believes he is ready for the next step.
The three-year member of the Runnin’ Utes thanked his teammates and the Utah fans in his announcement on social media.
“I want to thank all of my teammates over the past three years that have been more than just teammates to me,” Kuzma said before turning his attention to the Utah fans. “It was a pleasure to play for you guys. I can truly say that I laid it on the line every night just to make you guys proud of our program and this outstanding university.”
Kuzma averaged 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in over 30 minutes per game during his 2016-17 campaign as a Ute. In March, 2017, Kuzma was one of 10 Pac-12 players selected to the All-Pac-12 First team, an achievement that is voted on by the Pac-12 coaches.
Head coach Larry Krystkowiak expressed his appreciation for what Kuzma contributed to the program over the years, and he explained how proud he is of what he has accomplished.
“I would have loved to experience his senior year with him,” Krystkowiak said in a press release. “But I can appreciate him wanting to take this next step. I wish him nothing but the very best, and I am proud to call him a friend and a member of our Ute family.”
Sixty players will be drafted over the two rounds when the NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 22 in Brooklyn, New York.
@Britt_Colindres