The Utah men’s basketball team have seen several players enter the transfer portal in recent weeks. But the Runnin’ Utes on Monday announced they are plugging along with replacing them.
Utah signed center Lawson Lovering, the team announced, in a move that will add some size to its front line. Lovering is a 7-foot-1, 225 pound rising junior center who started in all 34 games for the Colorado Buffaloes last season.
“His experience and success in the Pac-12, along with his strong work ethic, makes him a valuable addition to our roster,” Utah coach Craig Smith said in a news release. “Lawson’s decision to come to the University of Utah speaks volumes about his belief in our coaching staff, system and the resources we provide to help our student-athletes succeed both on and off the court.”
Lovering averaged 3.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in two seasons at Colorado. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged a career-high 23 minutes per game and had an effective field goal percentage of 55.4%.
Lovering is the second player Utah has picked up via transfer. Hunter Erickson, who started his college career at BYU, committed to the Runnin’ Utes earlier this year.
Throughout the offseason, Utah has seen five players enter the transfer portal. Those players have been reported to be guard Lazar Stefanovic, forward Bostyn Holt, forward Hunter Mecum, guard Jaxon Brenchley and guard Mike Saunders Jr.
Stefanovic has since announced he committed to UCLA, while Saunders announced he will play for McNeese State.
Branden Carlson, who was named to two different All-Pac-12 first teams, has announced he will explore the possibility of playing professionally next year but could still return to Utah for one more season.
