SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah men’s basketball team is back to its full scholarship limit after signing Norbert Thelissen, a 6-foot-7 forward from The Netherlands.
Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak made the announcement Monday.
“Norbert’s combination of experience, skill, athleticism and high basketball IQ really stood out to us,” Krystkowiak said. “We are very excited and grateful for his belief in our program and decision to play college ball rather than the professional route in Europe. Due to our current NCAA rules, Norbert will not be eligible for competition until fall of 2021.”
The Utes had some open scholarships after losing Both Gach in May and signee Caleb Lohner in June. Earlier this month the Utes filled one of those spots by signing Jordan Kellier, a 6-6 forward from Jamaica.
Thelissen comes to Utah after having spent the last two-plus seasons with Heroes Den Bosch. He made his debut in the fall of 2017 before wrapping up his time with Heroes Den Bosch this past spring to come to the United States.
“We hate to lose Norbert in our organization,” said Roel Van de Graaf, sports director for Heroes Den Bosch, via a statement. “He was an amateur but always acted as a professional on and off the court. He has reached his potential and the Utah coaching staff and Andy Hill in particular did a great job in informing Norbert and his family. The style of play where the kids share the ball and create options for each other is a style Norbert is used to at Heroes Den Bosch. Again, we hate to see him go but we are proud he will be joining the University of Utah.”
The native of ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, has plenty of international experience playing in the FIBA U20 European Championships. While in Portugal, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in eight games to go with a .742 shooting clip.
Utah has nine returning scholarship players and added three new players, 6-5 Pelle Larsson of Sweden, 6-3 Ian Martinez of San Juan Capistrano, California, along with Kellier before signing Thelissen.