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SALT LAKE CITY — After suffering the worst record in program history in his first season as head coach, Utah's Larry Krystkowiak has now landed the top in-state recruit for two of the last three years.
Roy High School star Brekkott Chapman headlines the Runnin' Utes' 2014 recruiting class, which is ranked as high as No. 30 in the nation and fourth in the Pac-12.
In addition to Chapman, Utah also inked Burton, Mich., native Kyle Kuzma, as well as Isaiah Wright from Boise.
"I am thrilled to have these three young men join our program," Krystkowiak said. "They each epitomize what we search for in a student-athlete. They are tremendous young men with excellent skill sets, great work ethic and high character. This is a great day for Utah basketball."
I am thrilled to have these three young men join our program. They each epitomize what we search for in a student-athlete. They are tremendous young men with excellent skill sets, great work ethic and high character. This is a great day for Utah basketball.
–Larry Krystkowiak
Chapman joins current Utah sophomore Jordan Loveridge as top in-state recruits in their respective classes. ESPN ranked the 6-foot-8 forward No. 12 at his position and No. 46 overall nationally in the 2014 class.
The length, polished skill set and impressive basketball IQ of Chapman made him Krystkowiak's No. 1 target. The coach's hard work eventually led to a commitment from the four-star talent, winning out over programs such as Arizona, BYU, Colorado, Gonzaga, Utah State and UCLA.
"Coach Krystkowiak has been dedicated to me," said Chapman. "That was a big part of it. It shows that they were dedicated to me and that I was the guy they wanted."
Kuzma, another four-star guy according to ESPN, stands at 6-foot-9 and chose the Utes over UConn, Penn State, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Tennessee.
The versatile forward can't wait to get things going at Utah.
"I built a good relationship with coach Krystkowiak and (assistant) coach (DeMarlo) Slocum," Kuzma said. "They made me feel comfortable and I felt good about where the program was headed. I couldn't wait to get to Utah and get started. I went to a football game and I loved the atmosphere. It's been great."
Wright chose Utah over Boise State, Creighton and Kansas State. The 6-foot-2, three-star point guard excels as a leader and facilitator, leading his high school team to a 5A state title and winning tournament MVP and All-Idaho player of the year.
"I knew I wanted to go there," Wright said of Utah. "I love the coaching staff and I think we can build a special thing." Tyson Maddy has covered the University of Utah football and men's basketball teams as a contributing writer for KSL.com Sports since 2011. Follow his Utes coverage on twitter @Tyson_Maddy
