Recruiting is an arduous process for most recruits with all the camps, AAU ball, visits and overtures made by coaches both locally and from around the country. The process ended Wednesday for as many as 11 basketball prospects who will go on to play at BYU, Utah and Utah State.
“It’s just a huge relief to finally have it over and done with,” said East High’s Parker Van Dyke, who signed with Utah. “It’s such a long and hard process, but it’s over and I’m a Ute, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
The 6-foot-3 Van Dyke joins Brighton’s Brandon Miller (6-foot-2) and junior college transfers Delon Wright, a 6-foot-5 combo guard from City College of San Francisco, and Western Nebraska’s Marko Kovacevic, a 6-foot-11 center.
“I am extremely excited about our recruiting class,” said Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak. “Each individual was recruited not only for what they can do on the basketball court, but what they do off the court as well. They are kids of character and will reflect the culture we are establishing here at Utah.”
BYU announced the signing of five athletes: Lone Peak's Nick Emery (6-foot-2 guard) and Erik Mika (6-foot-8 forward), Jakob Hartsock (6-foot-7 forward who is the younger brother of Noah Hartsock), Braiden Shaw (6-foot-8 forward from Eagle, Idaho) and Luke Worthington (6-foot-8 forward from Wisconsin).
“Our staff and current players are extremely excited about this group of student-athletes that have signed today,” said BYU coach Dave Rose. “This class represents a great deal of dedication from our staff. I’m personally grateful for the work our coaches have put in and the trust these players have in us as coaches. With the addition of these players to our program, BYU basketball has a bright future.”
"I'm so excited and honored to be signing with a class like this," added Worthington. "Now that I'm officially signed with BYU, I can't wait to get there and help out wherever I can. I can't wait to get to know the guys I signed with better, but I already know that they're great players. I'm excited about the future of BYU basketball."
The Aggies received NLIs from Sky View High's Jalen Moore (6-foot-7 forward) and from 7-foot center Carson Shanks from Prior Lake, Minn.
"I love Utah State's coaching, and the crowd up there in the Spectrum are crazy — I love the atmosphere," said Moore about going to Utah State. "I love how Stew Morrill coaches, and I love the assistant coaches."
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney