Former Runnin’ Ute Phil Cullen is joining the University of Utah basketball staff. He’ll replace Randy Baruth, who took the head coaching job at Saginaw Valley State College after one season as Utah’s director of player development and camps.
Cullen has spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. He played basketball at Utah from 1998-2002, hitting seven 3-pointers in an NCAA Tournament contest against Indiana in his final game.
Cullen, who is 6-foot-9, was a pitcher in the Seattle Mariners’ farm system in 2001, 2002 and 2004 before being sidelined with an arm injury.
There’s still limited space available at this summer’s Utah basketball camps. Head coach Larry Krystkowiak and his staff are offering several options including day camps for grades K-7, team camps for junior high and high school teams, as well as a college camp for players serious about basketball development.
For more information, including dates and prices, check out www.utahbasketballcamps.com.
College Football News has the Utah Utes 13th in its post-spring football rankings. Part of the explanation states: “You heard it here first; don’t be shocked if Utah, not USC, ends up representing the South in the Pac-12 title game.”
It’ll be a busy graduation day for the University of Utah football and men’s basketball programs. Friday’s commencement ceremonies will feature a lot of athletes, a majority planning to participate in the cap-and-gown festivities.
“What’s important is you have to have coaches that really care and have a genuine interest in it and the players have to have an interest in it and a support system.” said Utah athletics director Chris Hill. “I think we’re fortunate to have people who have the right values. All those elements have to be added together to have a successful academic program.”
The graduates:
FOOTBALL: DeVonte Christopher (Communication, May 2012); Luke Matthews (Communication, May 2012); Jordan Wynn (Economics, May 2012), Tevita Stevens (Spanish, Dec. 2011); David Kruger (Sociology, Dec. 2012); Ryan Lacy (Sociology, Dec. 2012); Reggie Dunn (Sociology, Dec. 2012); Matt Martinez (Economics and Sociology, May 2012); Tauni Vakapuna (Sociology, May 2012); Shawn Asiata (Sociology, May 2012); Dexter Ransom (Sociology, Summer 2012); Ron Tongaonevai (Sociology, Summer 2012); Tevita Finau (Sociology, Summer 2012); Dexter Ransom (Sociology, Summer 2012); Kameron Yancy (Sociology, May 2012); Quinton Ganther (Sociology, May 2012); Joe Phillips (Parks and Recreation, May 2012); Jereme Brooks (Economics, Summer 2012).
FALL 2011 GRADUATES: James Aiono (Sociology); Derrick Shelby (Sociology); Lei Talamaivao (Sociology); Nai Fotu (Sociology); J.J. Williams (Economics); Greg Bird (Exercise and Sports Science); Tyler Whittingham (Communication).
(Special thanks to Fred Whittingham Jr. for compiling the list)
BASKETBALL: Jason Washburn (Mass Communication, May 2012); Chris Hines (Speech Communication, May 2012); Josh “Jiggy” Watkins (Sociology, May 2012).
ESPN’s Todd McShay has Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei as the No.1 overall pick in his 2013 NFL draft projection. Lotulelei’s decision to return to the Utes for his senior season was profiled by the Deseret News last month.
Former Runnin’ Ute star Keith Van Horn spoke with ESPN 700′s Bill Riley on Friday and discussed a variety of topics. Van Horn will be inducted into the Crimson Club Hall of Fame on Monday, along with Ron McBride, Norma Carr and Bente Dahlum.
Utah’s newest signee Brandon Taylor, a 5-foot-10 point guard out of Pacific Hills High School in West Hollywood, Calif., acknowledged it’s “a big deal” to be able to play for the same school as one of his role models.
Taylor grew up playing basketball at the Pan Pacific Recreation Complex in Los Angeles, where former Ute star Jerry Chambers oversaw things. Chambers was the Most Outstanding Player in the 1966 NCAA Final Four.
“I think so highly of Jerry,” said Taylor, who is well aware of Chambers’ accomplishments.
Taylor already has some accolades of his own. He was named CIF Division 4 Player of the Year after averaging 19.8 points and 7.5 assists as a senior. Taylor also earned MVP honors in the Alpha League, National Prep Classic and Torrey Pines Tournament.
“Brandon has a really good feel for the game of basketball,” Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak said in announcing Taylor’s signing on Wednesday. “He is a tremendous shooter and a natural leader. He’s a great floor general, with the ability to score and distribute the basketball. Brandon’s teammates flock to him and love to play with him, and if there is one person on the floor who you want to have that quality, it’s your point guard.”
Taylor is enrolling at Utah soon and will play for the Utes on a foreign tour this summer. The Southern California prep star is also eager to his college ball in the Pac-12.
“It’s amazing,” Taylor said. “I always wanted to go to school out of state and Utah was just the place for me. Utah was that place.”
Helping the Utes turn things around after a 6-25 season is a challenge Taylor is eager to attack. He’s “excited and anxious” to see what he can bring to the table.
“I look forward to this team making a 180 turn,” Taylor said. “I look forward to coming to a situation where I can definitely help rebuild the Utah team.”
April Fools? A story in the San Diego Union-Tribune says the USFL is reportedly coming back as a “triple-a” spring league for the NFL. Salt Lake City is included in a list of possible markets. If Utah is granted a franchise, will Rice-Eccles Stadium serve as home for the new team? There’s no word yet. The USFL is expected to begin play in 2013 with eight teams.
The University of Utah’s sports information department has released a downloadable football schedule for 2012. Check it out, it includes a lot of information and reminders on a variety of topics. Here’s the link:
Utah athletics is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Billy “The Hill” McGill’s 60-point game against BYU on Feb. 24, 1962. His performance in the Utes’ 106-101 win over the Cougars is still the best in team history.
Here’s a link the Utes are sharing with fans via social networking.