Runnin' Utes Land Bealer and Mawien

Utah men's basketball announced today that Gabe Bealer and Makol Mawien have signed their National Letters of Intent and will join the Utes for the 2015-16 season.

Bealer, a 6-6 wing from the City College of San Francisco (like former CCSF standout and current Utes star Delon Wright), averaged 12.9 points on 54.7 percent shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game for the Rams last year. His film* shows a guard who likes to get out in transition and play above the rim. He attacks the rim both as an offensive player, as well as a rebounder.

"Gabe adds high-level athleticism to this team and a defensive presence at the wing guard position," head coach Larry Krystkowiak said. "His long frame makes him capable of getting in the passing lanes defensively and blocking shots at the rim. He is also a very good scorer and, most importantly, a quality student-athlete who we feel comfortable with after spending the last two years at CCSF under head coach Justin Labagh."

Bealer is a wiry wing-type who has a knack to score from all three levels and, being ambidextrous, is skilled with either hand. He is has a nose for the ball and is always around it on both ends of the floor. Bealer graduated from Sacramento's Antelope High School in 2013 has two years of eligibility remaining.

Mawien, a 6-9 post player from Granger High School in West Valley City, is rated as one of the top players at his position and in the state of Utah by a number of recruiting outlets.

"We are very excited to welcome Makol to the Utah family," Krystkowiak added. "He has a bright future as he continues to develop his game and add strength. He is a hard worker and a willing learner that is extremely coachable. This is a great day for Makol and his family."

"I think I'll succeed here, and I think staying home will be the best for me," Mawien said. "I like their style. I like Coach Krystkowiak, and I think it will be a great place to play."

With all the physical tools to be an elite power forward, Mawien has very broad shoulders, long arms, magnetic hands, and great feet. He combines great footwork with an ability to catch all types of passes to finish plays in the paint amidst traffic.

Like Bealer, Mawien is able to convert with either hand and he possesses a nice touch from the elbow. In addition to his offensive gifts, he has shown that he is a solid rebounder as well. This past summer he took part in the Nike Big Man and LeBron James Skills Academies.

"I think Coach Krystkowiak can help me grow as a player," Mawien added. "He's given me a lot of tips, like facing up and taking hook shots. He obviously knows what he is talking about since he made his living as a post player in the NBA."

Mawien was born in Egypt before moving to the United States at a young age and taking up basketball in third grade. He has played his AAU ball the last couple years with Utah Prospects and was a teammate of current Runnin' Utes forward Brekkott Chapman.

* Highlights courtesy of Hudl.