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Utes ink top-10 recruiting class for men's basketball

Local products Caleb Lohner and Mason Falslev highlight best recruiting class under Krystowiak
Ryan Kostecka|
Utes ink top-10 recruiting class for men's basketball
Utes ink top-10 recruiting class for men's basketball

For many years, Utah has outperformed on the court based on its incoming recruiting classes. Never a hotbed for top-tier talent, Utah head coach Larry Krystowiak has always put up competitive teams in the Pac-12 based on getting the very best of out of each player.

But, one could always wonder what Krystowiak would do if he ever got his hands on a top-10 class, such as what Pac-12 foes Oregon and Arizona routinely pull in. Well, the wait is over as Krystowaik was proud to announce the singing of one of the best recruiting classes in the country with four players in the early singing period.

“Oh, it's awesome for us,” Krystowiak said during his weekly press conference. "They will provide some athleticism that we haven't had in the past. ... And that can be fun, if it's used properly."

According to 247sports, Utah currently has the 9th best recruiting class in the country and No. 1 in the Pac-12, a first for Krystowiak. Scout.com has the Utes checking in at No. 7 in the nation.

Headlining the group is four-star prospect Ian Martinez out of J Serra Catholic in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard, who is the 59th rated player in the country, first committed to the Utes in May after the program announced the signing of his father Henry Martinez as a full-time assistant. 

"We are excited to add a guard like Ian, who has a great combination of athleticism, skill and IQ," Whittingham said on the Utes athletic website. "Ian has a had a great couple years of development and continues to improve his physical strength, which will allow him to be an excellent player at Utah."

Joining Martinez is Pelle Larsson of Sweden, a three-star combo guard who's rated as the best youth player in the country. Larsson, who committed a week before signing, provides instant depth at the guard position, as well as size to compete with the bigger guards Utah plays in the Pac-12. 

"Pelle is an outstanding lead guard with great size, versatility and IQ," Krystowiak said. "He shined this summer in the European Championships and solidified himself as one of the premier guards in Europe. We believe his international experience and opportunity to play in the Swedish pro league will help make his transition to the college level smooth."

The final two recruits are two of the best players the state of Utah has to offer.

Four-star small forward Caleb Lohner (Wasatch Academy) and three-star shooting guard Mason Falslev (Sky View) signed with the Utes, giving the upcoming season a nice local flair for fans in attendance.

Lohner was a surprise for Krystowiak and the Utes, as he was made a top target by BYU while having family ties in the Provo area as well. But without announcing a group of finalists, Lohner just up and committed to Utah in August.

He's a big pickup for the Utes at 6-foot-6, coming in as the 72nd ranked recruit in the nation according to ESPN. The small forward plays with high-energy while showcasing a solid skillset that pairs well with his physical nature. Last year, he helped lead Wasatch Academy to a showing in the GEICO High School Nationals , and is widely expected to do the same this year again.

"Caleb is a multi-positional player who brings energy, skill and athleticism to the court," Krystowiak said. "We are impressed with Caleb's physicality, which will allow him to compete at the college level. "

The final signee of the class is Falslev, who's been committed to the Utes since the summer of 2018. 

A savvy 6-foot-3 shooting guard, he has dominated Utah's Class 4A the past couple years, winning a state title last season. He led his classification in scoring (24.1) and assists (5.2) while averaging 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. 

Gifted with a soft shooting touch and unparalleledCombining athleticism, Falslev was named the Deseret News 4A State MVP in basketball last season, while earning Region 12 MVP honors in both basketball and football. He will actually get a jump on competing at the University of Utah when Sky View takes on Park City in the 4A state championship game on Friday at Rice Eccles Stadium.

"I have watched Mason a lot the last three years and we're really excited about his future," Krystowiak said. "Mason is a multi-sport athlete that brings toughness and a winning spirit."

Combining this recruiting class with what has already proven to be a young and tough Utah squad on the court right now, the future looks bright in Salt Lake City.

“From a basketball perspective, we're getting some highly skilled players,” Krystkowiak said. “That's a huge part, obviously. You have to recruit talent and guys that understand the game, but they're all just great kids. They're really unique kids, they aren't all the same. Different personalties.”

 

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Ryan Kostecka
RYAN KOSTECKA

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