PROVO – In a move that had been expected for a couple of weeks, former Utah signer Caleb Lohner officially joined BYU’s basketball program on Friday.
“Caleb Lohner is an incredibly talented young player with a ready-to-use college corps, a fatal blow and intense competitiveness that will be a hallmark of his career at BYU,” coach Mark Pope said in a statement. “He is going to bring a unique personality and arrogance to Provo who will love him for Cougar fans. Caleb has high aspirations for his basketball career and strong determination that will help him achieve those goals with his teammates here at BYU. “
“I am incredibly excited to announce that I will be playing for BYU !! Very excited and blessed to be in the position I am in today. Ready to go to work! Lohner said on his Twitter account. “I am grateful to (sports director) Mark Harlan and coach (Larry) Krystkowiak for their willingness to grant my release. I respect you both very much. ”
In early June reports emerged that Lohner was seeking a release from his National Letter of Intent with Utah and that he wanted to sign with the Cougars.
The Utes released the 6-foot-9-inch striker from their NLI on June 15.
“We are obviously very disappointed with Caleb’s recent decision to request a release from his NLI,” Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak said in a statement. “However, we will honor your wishes and focus on motivated, talented and connected players and coaches who are committed to our program. We look forward to returning to the court together this fall and returning to fame within the Pac-12. ”
Lohner’s father, Matt, played basketball at BYU from 1991-92, 1994-96. Caleb is the oldest of five children and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While Caleb Lohner grew up in the Dallas area, he enrolled at Wasatch Academy on Mt. Nice for your senior year. He averaged 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds and helped lead Wasatch Academy to a 27-2 record.
“What makes him so special is that he really moves like a guard, being as tall as he is and as big as him,” said David Evans, who trained Lohner at the Wasatch Academy. “He already has a strong body, unlike many of the best high school players, and he really works hard to improve.”
Lohner joins the 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
Last August, Lohner got engaged to Utah, which came as a surprise to most observers. He signed with the Utes in November.
“If you told me I would end up signing with Utah, or even stay in Utah a year ago, I would have said you were crazy,” Lohner told the Deseret News in April.
Lohner is the last Cougar to join the program, along with Erickson (a missionary who returned from Timpview High School), graduate transfers Averette (Utah Valley University) and Haarms (Purdue), and transfers from junior Gideon University (New Mexico Junior College) and Johnson (Salt Lake Community College).
The BYU Class of 2020 also includes Dallin Hall (Fremont High School), Richie Saunders (Wasatch Academy) and Tanner Toolson (Evergreen High School). All three players plan to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling in BYU.
