It’s been 10 years now since the University of Utah men’s basketball program last heard its name called on Selection Sunday.
There will be some representation by the school in this year’s NCAA Tournament, though, as four former Runnin’ Utes will play in the NCAAs with their current teams.
Here’s a look at the contributions each of these four have made with their respective teams this season, and who their teams will face in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Of note: All four are starters at their current programs.
F Jake Wahlin, No. 8 seed Clemson
First-round opponent: No. 9 Iowa, Friday
Wahlin, after playing two years for the Utes, transferred out last offseason when the program had a coaching change. He showed promise in his sophomore season at Utah, averaging 6.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while starting 23 contests.
This year at Clemson, Wahlin’s numbers have dipped a bit in his junior season, though he’s started 29 games for the Tigers.
The Timpview High product is averaging 5.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game for Clemson. That has included six double-digit scoring games and a single-game high of 10 rebounds back near the start of the season.
G Hunter Erickson, No. 13 seed Hawaii
First-round opponent: No. 4 Arkansas, Thursday
Erickson’s college path has taken him to several places, from two years at BYU to a season at Salt Lake Community College and two seasons at Utah.
The former Timpview High star, though, is now making his first NCAA Tournament appearance as a graduate student.
Erickson is also having his best season as a collegian while starting all 32 games for Hawaii.
He is averaging career-bests in points (8.5), rebounds (3.9) and assists (3.8) for the Rainbow Warriors, who earned their spot in the NCAAs by winning the Big West Conference tournament.
Erickson tied his career high with eight assists as Hawaii beat top seed UC Irvine in the Big West tournament championship game.
F Keba Keita, No. 6 seed BYU
First-round opponent: No. 4 Arkansas, Thursday
The senior Keita, who played his first two collegiate seasons at Utah under Craig Smith, is returning to the NCAA Tournament with BYU for a second straight year.
Keita has seen his numbers dip a bit during his second year in Provo, though he’s started 32 games for the Cougars.
He’s averaging 6.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in the 2025-26 season and career-bests with 1.7 blocks and 1.0 steals per game for the Cougars.
One of his best games of the season came in BYU’s Big 12 opening win over Kansas State, when Keita had 11 points, 16 rebounds and two blocked shots.
F Zach Keller, No. 9 seed Utah State
First-round opponent: No. 8 Villanova, Friday
The senior Keller is with his third college team in the past four seasons after two years at Wake Forest, then last season at Utah.
He has settled into a starting role for the Aggies, making 25 starts for Jerrod Calhoun’s squad.
Keller is averaging career-highs in minutes (13.8), points (3.5) and rebounds (2.1) per game while helping anchor the post for the Aggies.