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SALT LAKE CITY -- University of Utah head basketball coach Jim Boylen has announced the signing of four high school prospects that will join the Runnin' Utes in 2010.
"I am really excited about this class," said head coach Jim Boylen. "Similar to what we accomplished last year, we have brought in another versatile class that fills multiple positions. This group adds even more depth, toughness and athleticism as we continue to build this program. As much as any other class, these guys have a passion to play for Utah. Having Utah across their chest already means something to them, and I love that."
The 2009 signing class is comprised of four high school seniors who will join the Utes in 2010 as true freshmen: Preston Guiot, Neil Monson, Dominique Lee and JJ O'Brien.
"Guiot is a quick, tough shooting guard with a high basketball IQ," said Boylen. "Monson is an athletic center who can score, rebound and block shots, three things we require from our big men. Lee gives us an athletic, big-time wing player with a ton of energy and bounce. O'Brien is the highest-ranked player in this class. He is another big wing player who gives us more length, scoring ability and versatility. He also possesses great late-game scoring and decision-making ability."
Preston Guiot - Guard, 5-11, 175 (pronounced GEE-oh)
Bolivar, Mo.
Bolivar High School
Averaged 24 points, five assists and three steals per game as a junior ... named first-team all-state ... selected MVP of the Central Ozark Conference ... first-team all-district choice ... all-Ozark team ... named one of the top high school prospects in the state of Missouri by Rivals.com ... his father Jeff is the head coach at Southwest Baptist University ... plays for Robby Hoegh at Bolivar HS.
Neal Monson - Center, 6-10, 215
Sandy, Utah
Waterford High School
Averaged a double-double as a junior with 20 points and 15 rebounds per game, while adding six blocks per contest ... all-state selection his sophomore and junior years ... led Div. 3A in scoring, rebounding and blocks last year ... plays for his father, Reid, at Waterford ... Reid is a former Runnin' Ute who lettered from 1986-89, reaching the NIT twice and sharing the 1986 WAC title under head coach Lynn Archibald.
Dominique Lee - Guard, 6-4, 200
Oakland, Calif.
St. Mary's College High School
Scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds per game last year ... ranked among the top 10 upperclassmen in the state of California ... named first-team all-Bay Shore Athletic League ... second-team all-Metro choice (Bay Area) ... has a reputation as a fierce, physical player who is committed to the defensive end of the floor ... plays for Manny Nodar at St. Mary's College HS.
JJ O'Brien - Guard, 6-6, 205
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Alta Loma High School
Averaged a double-double last year with 27 points and 13 rebounds per game, to go with three assists per contest ... scored over 30 points in a game last year at least 11 times and reached 40 once ... named MVP of the Baseline Conference ... first-team all-CIF Div. 2 selection ... ranked among the top 15 high school players in the state of California ... hailed for his scoring ability, court demeanor and wingspan by Rivals.com ... plays for Brian Brown at Alta Loma HS.
