Utah basketball adds to 2020-21 roster with commitment from JUCO transfer Jordan Kellier

Utah Utes head coach Larry Krystkowiak received a commitment from 6-foot-6 junior college transfer Jordan Kellier of Williston State. | Ravell Call, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Larry Krystkowiak’s team is getting some wing help from the junior college ranks.

National basketball recruiting writer Adam Zagoria first reported Monday that Jordan Kellier, a 6-foot-6 wing from Williston State College, had committed to play for the Utes. Kellier later confirmed his commitment via social media.

“Firstly, I’d love to thank Jesus Christ for this opportunity! I would also want to give a special tank you to my family, coaches, mentors and everyone who has played a role in molding me into the young man I am today. 110% committed #GOUTES,” Kellier wrote on Twitter.

Firstly, I’d love to thank Jesus Christ for this opportunity! I would also want to give a special thank you to my family, coaches, mentors and everyone who has played a role in molding me into the young man I am today. 110% committed #GOUTES ⚪️ #IGIPMT pic.twitter.com/0Q41Hz3d9g

— Jordan Kellier (@thedoubted_876) June 29, 2020

Kellier, a native of Jamaica, will be eligible to play for Utah next season and will have three years of eligibility remaining, Zagoria reported.

“I was hearing from a few schools, but I kind of shut it down once I found out that Utah was the place for me to be,” Kellier, who was also was also considering Eastern Illinois, Prairie View A&M and Alabama State, told Zagoria. “Just by how they recruited me, I felt like it was a great situation for me.”

Kellier was a freshman at Williston State last season, where he averaged 17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He started 19 of the 21 games he played for the Tetons — located in Williston, North Dakota — and shot 44.6% from the field, as well as 27.3% from 3-point range while averaging 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

Utah is looking to add to its 2020 class — which includes a trio of guards in Pelle Larsson, Ian Martinez and Sky View High’s Mason Falslev — after 6-6 Caleb Lohner, who prepped at Wasatch Academy, received a release from his letter of intent at Utah and signed with BYU.

The Utes have also seen two players leave this offseason, as starting wing Both Gath transferred to Minnesota and reserve canter Matt Van Komen headed to Saint Mary’s after one year in the Utah program.

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