Former Utah center Branden Carlson is officially headed to the NBA.
After missing out on being drafted, Carlson signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday evening. He spent five seasons with the Runnin’ Utes, primarily under head coach Craig Smith before exhausting his eligibility following the 2023-24 season.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my basketball career with the Toronto Raptors organization,” Carlson said in a news release. “I’ve been blessed with a great support system my entire life. Thank you to my parents, family and of course my wife, Maddy. I am forever grateful and indebted for the devotion and sacrifices they all made for me to get where I am today. I want to thank all the coaches throughout my career. I am here today living out my dream because of your dedication to your craft.”
Carlson averaged 17 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season, while shooting just over 50% from the field and 37.4% from 3-point range. In his final game, where the Utes lost to Indiana State in the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament, he garnered 17 points and five rebounds.
The former Runnin’ Utes center will go down as one of the best players in program history, leading Utah all-time with 241 blocks and 146 games started. Carlson also notched 2023-24 All-Pac 12 First Team honors for the second consecutive season in a row.
“So excited for Branden Carlson,” Utah head men’s basketball coach Craig Smith said. “Branden has worked so hard to get to the next level and his work ethic was evident of that each and every day. He is the embodiment of a Runnin’ Ute and will have left as one of the greats to have represented the University of Utah. We couldn’t be more proud and excited to follow his professional journey. The Raptors are getting a special player!”
He’ll be the fourth Utah player to currently play in the professional ranks in either the NBA or G League, joining the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Jakob Poeltl and Delon Wright.
