Last fall 6-foot-11 Travis Knight announced his intentions of playing collegiate basketball at the University of Connecticut.
But since he never actually signed a letter of intent, the subject of whether or not the senior at Alta High would ever become a Husky was a topic of speculation. Even Knight, while leading Alta to its first ever 4A basketball title, indicated that he was having second thoughts about attending UConn.Now it's official, however.
Knight, the Deseret News 4A MVP, has mailed in his letter of intent and will play college ball for Connecticut in the basketball-rich Big East Conference. He joins JaRon Boone of Skyline and Alex Fisher of Brighton as top-rated Utah preps who will take their basketball talents out of state for college.
Boone, the Deseret News' Mr. Basketball this past season, signed last fall to play at Nebraska. Fisher, a first-team all-state guard, signed early to play at Fresno State, a school which will join the WAC this year.
At least three Utah standouts will stay in the state to play Division I basketball. Andy Jensen, a 6-foot-8 forward who led Viewmont to a 23-1 record, signed this week to play at Southern Utah University. Jensen averaged 16.5 points and eight rebounds per game and was a first-team all-state selection.
While Jensen is heading to Southern Utah for college, Jason Jackman of Hurricane will go north. Jackman, a 6-foot-9 center who averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots, has committed to play at Utah. Brighton center Joey Haws signed last fall to play for Weber State.
In addition, several players have or are expected to sign with local junior colleges. Davis center David Isaacson has signed to play at Ricks in Rexburg, Idaho, as has Bonneville forward Mike Porter. Mountain Crest's Brandt Wilcox has also signed to play at Ricks, although he is expected to go on an LDS church mission prior to his collegiate basketball career. Travis Homer of Davis has been recruited heavily by Dixie College and is expected to sign in the near future. Brandon Jones, the 1A basketball player of the year, has signed a football letter of intent to play at Snow.
Some of the top players that have yet to sign include Viewmont guard John Robison, Ogden's Brandon Parker and Neal Geddes and Mountain Crest's Jason Lyle.