Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Tyler Kepkay, a 6-foot, 185-pound guard from the College of Eastern Utah, has signed a national letter of intent to play men's basketball next season at the University of Utah. The announcement came today from Runnin' Ute head coach Jim Boylen.
Kepkay, who is a native of Vancouver, B.C., was named a first team NJCAA All-American last season. He led the junior college ranks in scoring, averaging 27.9 points per game. Kepkay also ranked fifth among junior college players in free throw percentage (88.2) and 22nd in 3-point field goal percentage (47.4). Kepkay averaged 3.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Kepkay also made official visits to St. John's, San Diego State and Duquesne. He will play in the Top 20 Junior College All-American Game April 20-21 in Texas.
"Coach Boylen really made the difference in me becoming a Ute," said Kepkay. "The way he wants to run his program, the structure of his system, his knowledge of the game, and his enthusiasm really sold me. I think he's also putting together a good staff, and the team is made up of really good guys. I think Coach Boylen is going to get Utah basketball back to the level of success people are used to in a short period of time."
"Tyler is a highly skilled player, a great shooter, an excellent ball handler, and has a high basketball I.Q.," said College of Eastern Utah head coach Bryon Zollinger. "He is a solid athlete who is built well and is quick. But, the thing that sets him apart from other players is his work ethic. He is constantly working to improve himself, and he is always in the weight room and on the floor getting his work in."
"Tyler had made a verbal commitment earlier in the year to Utah, but wasn't sure what was going to happen after the coaching change," Zollinger continued. "After Coach Boylen took the job, he came to meet Tyler right away. The two got to know each other, and I think Tyler was very impressed with Jim's knowledge of the game and energy level. I think the way Coach Boylen approached the whole recruiting process is what led to Tyler deciding to go to Utah."
Utah signed three players in the early signing period. Also joining the Utes next fall will be Carlon Brown, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound guard from Riverside, Calif.; Nemanja Calasan, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound post player from Midland Junior College; and Morgan Grim, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward from Riverton, Utah.
