Utah Officially Inks Jakob Poeltl

The Runnin' Utes announced today the signing of 2014 recruit Jakob Poeltl. The Utes were battling Cal and Arizona for the services of the Austrian 7-footer.

"We are really excited to have Jakob join our program as he will give us versatility at the power forward and center positions," Krystkowiak said. "He is committed to coming here and maximizing his basketball potential. Over the past year he has been playing against men so he is a little more seasoned as far as level of competition. Adding Jakob, a coveted big man, to our mix of international players, is something we feel is a blueprint to success in the Pac-12."

The Austrian big man shot over 72 percent from the floor in the top domestic league, the Bundesliga. Additionally, Poeltl was named an all-star after averaging 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game for the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions.

In 2013, Poeltl captained the U-18 Austrian national team at the European Championships and was named to the second team by Eurobasket. He was part of the national championship team at the U-16 level and dominated the `B' division of the Bundesliga, being named two-time MVP for the Vienna DC Timberwolves.

Listed at 225 pounds, he may take some time filling out his 7-foot frame. Overall, Poeltl is considered to be a skilled big man with good fundamentals and footwork, and he can both leap and run the floor in transition.

"Jakob has made great sacrifices to get to this point," Krystkowiak added. "He has been burning the candle at both ends in order to get here and experience the college atmosphere. We can't wait to have him here in this environment because he has a terrific future ahead of him. It's a great day for our program."

Poeltl will be learning the American game under the tutelage of other international big men Dallin Bachynski (Canada) and Marco Kovacevic (Serbia), as well as American Jeremy Olsen. Along with fellow newcomers Brekkot Chapman and Kyle Kuzma, as well as returning starter Jordan Loveridge, Poeltl should help make Utah's front line one of the most intimidating in the Western U.S.