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Sources close to the University of Utah confirmed on Monday afternoon that Austrian Big Man Jakob Poeltl has chosen the U over several other D1 programs, including Pac-12 rivals Arizona and Cal. Head coach Larry Krystkowiak and the rest of the program were unable to comment on the development, as NCAA regulations prohibit coaches from commenting on unsigned recruits.
The 7-foot European Center averaged 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds for Arkadia Traiskirchen this past season. To add to his resume as one of the hottest European imports for basketball this class, is an impressive 72.2 shooting percentage for the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions.
Poeltl, who has verbally committed to the Runnin’ Utes, is expect to sign with the team soon, before the end of the spring signing period. Krystkowiak is currently out of town, which could account for at least some of the delay in signing Pöeltl.
Krystkowiak adds Poeltl to what is turning into one of the top classes in the Pac-12, and arguably could break into the NCAA Top 25 recruiting classes as well. Before Poeltl's commitment, the Utes 2014 class was ranked as high as 36th in some polls.
Poeltl joins a class featuring Brekkott Chapman, Kyle Kuzma, Isaiah Wright, and Chris Reyes. With two four-star prospects (Chapman and Kuzma), this recruiting class is expected to turn the Runnin’ Utes front court into one of the strongest in the Pac-12 in the next few seasons. And it would come as no surprise if the class didn’t make an immediate impact in the upcoming 2014-2015 season.