Utah Basketball Grants Full Release To Signee Caleb Lohner From NLI
Jun 15, 2020, 3:57 PM
(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The University of Utah Athletics Department announced that men’s basketball signee Caleb Lohner has been granted a full release from his National Letter of Intent.
Utah head basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak released the following statement on Monday.
“We are obviously very disappointed in Caleb’s recent decision requesting a release from his NLI,” Krystkowiak said. “However, we will honor his wishes and turn over focus towards the motivated, talented and connected players and coaches that are committed to our program. We look forward to getting back on the court together this fall and return to prominence within the Pac-12.”
Utah has announced the release of Caleb Lohner.#GoUtes @kslsports
— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) June 15, 2020
Lohner signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Utah on November 13, 2019. The three-star recruit played at Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah. He was the 20th ranked small forward in the country and the second best player in the state of Utah, according to 247.
Reports surfaced last week that Lohner wanted his release from his NLI at Utah in order to join Mark Pope and the BYU basketball program. Lohner has family ties to BYU with his father playing for the Cougars.
This is a big blow for the Utes as Lohner’s ability to score while being a versatile forward was going to have an immediate impact for the Runnin’ Utes this upcoming season.
Utah has already lost two players to the transfer portal in center Matt Van Komen and guard Both Gach.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.