” Caleb Lohner is an exceptionally gifted young player with a ready-made college body, a fatal stroke and an intense competitiveness that will be a hallmark of his BYU profession,” coach Mark Pope stated in a declaration. Caleb has lofty goals for his basketball profession and a steely determination that will help him reach those objectives with his colleagues here at BYU.”
” We are clearly very dissatisfied in Calebs recent decision requesting a release from his NLI,” said Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak in a statement. “However, we will honor his wishes and turn our focus towards the inspired, linked and talented players and coaches that are committed to our program. We anticipate getting back on the court together this fall and return to prominence within the Pac-12.”
” The thing that makes him so unique is that he truly does move like a guard, being as high as he is, and as big as he is,” said David Evans, who coached Lohner at Wasatch Academy. “He already has a strong body, unlike a lot of leading high school gamers, and he actually works tough to improve.”
Lohners papa, Matt, played basketball at BYU from 1991-92, 1994-96. Caleb is the earliest of five kids and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
BYUs Class of 2020 also consists of Dallin Hall (Fremont High School), Richie Saunders (Wasatch Academy) and Tanner Toolson (Evergreen High School). All three players are planning to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to registering at BYU.
” Insanely thrilled to announce that I will be playing for BYU!! So thrilled and blessed to be in the position Im in today. Lohner said on his Twitter account.” We are obviously extremely disappointed in Calebs current decision asking for a release from his NLI,” said Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak in a declaration.
” Caleb Lohner is an extremely gifted young player with a ready-made college body, a lethal stroke and an extreme competitiveness that will be a hallmark of his BYU profession,” coach Mark Pope said in a statement. “He is going to bring a special personality and swagger to Provo that will endear him to Cougar fans. Caleb has lofty goals for his basketball career and a steely decision that will help him reach those goals with his colleagues here at BYU.”
“If you told me that I d end up finalizing with Utah, or even remaining in Utah a year earlier– I would have stated you were insane,” Lohner told the Deseret News in April.
PROVO– In a move that had actually been expected for a number of weeks, former Utah signee Caleb Lohner officially joined BYUs basketball program on Friday.
The Utes launched the 6-foot-9 forward from his NLI June 15.
Lohner joins a BYU team that features Alex Barcello, Brandon Averette, Matt Haarms, Gavin Baxter, Kolby Lee, Connor Harding, Trevin Knell, Gideon George, Spencer Johnson, Richard Harward, Wyatt Lowell, Hunter Erickson, Jesse Wade, Cameron Pearson and Townsend Tripple.
Lohner is the latest Cougar to join the program, in addition to Erickson (a returned missionary from Timpview High School), graduate transfers Averette (Utah Valley University) and Haarms (Purdue), and junior college transfers Gideon (New Mexico Junior College) and Johnson (Salt Lake Community College).
” Insanely excited to announce that I will be betting BYU!! So delighted and blessed to be in the position Im in today. All set to get to work!” Lohner said on his Twitter account. “I am grateful to (athletic director) Mark Harlan and Coach (Larry) Krystkowiak for their willingness to give my release. I have a lot of regard for both of them.”
Last August, Lohner devoted to Utah, which came as a surprise to most observers. He signed with the Utes in November.
While Caleb Lohner matured in the Dallas location, he enrolled at Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant for his senior year. He averaged 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds and helped lead Wasatch Academy to a 27-2 record.
Reports emerged in early June that Lohner was seeking a release from his National Letter of Intent with Utah and that he wanted to sign with the Cougars.