(photo courtesy of sheridan.edu)
I had a feeling that there was at least one more move coming to the Utah Men’s Basketball roster this spring and on Wednesday morning we found out what that move was. Larry Krystkowiak and his staff have added a 6-4 combo guard from Gillette College in Wyoming, Lorenzo Bonam. Here’s the full release on Bonam and the medical retirement of Jeremy Olsen from the team.
Bonam comes to Utah after a 3rd Team Junior College All American Season at Gillette, where he averaged 16.5pts, 6.8 rebs and 3.4 assists per game. Bonam was an All State performer in the State of Michigan as a senior. He originally signed with Southern Miss last November but was released from that commitment after the Golden Eagles ran into academic issues with the NCAA.
The Utah Coaching Staff sees Bonam as a combo guard to play next to Brandon Taylor in the back court. What they like most about him is his ability to get to the rim and also guard on the perimeter. He’s got the ability to play either on or off the ball. His shooting from the outside was called “good” so he’ll have the ability to stretch a defense too. Whether or not he starts next to Brandon Taylor remains to be seen, he’ll need to prove that he can make the transition from Junior College to Pac 12 basketball. The expectation is that he will be a good back court mate with Brandon Taylor.
As for Jeremy Olsen, he’s battled physical issues for a couple of years now. He’ll retire from playing and be kept on medical scholarship. That leaves a bit of a void at the backup center spot. Utah Coaches like the physical ability and potential of true freshman Makol Mawein to come in and provide some minutes behind Jakob Poeltl. In addtion, if Utah chooses to go small they could use Chris Reyes in a pinch there.
There are no more roster changes expected this spring. Everyone is expected back for next season, including return missionary Brandon Miller. Here’s my best guess at a starting lineup for Utah and the rotation coming off the bench. Remember that this is mine and only mine…
Starters:
Back Court: Brandon Taylor and Lorenzo Bonam
Wing: Jordan Loveridge
Front Court: Brekkott Chapman and Jakob Poeltl
Bench:
Back Court: Isiah Wright, Kenneth Ogbe, Brandon Miller
Wings: Gabe Bealer and Dakari Tucker
Front Court: Chris Reyes, Kyle Kuzma, Makol Mawein
