SALT LAKE CITY- Utah basketball announced Thursday afternoon that Wisconsin transfer Ben Carlson is officially a Ute. Carlson becomes the fifth newcomer for the Runnin’ Utes along with Wilguens Exacte Jr, Keba Keita, Mike Saunders Jr, and Luka Tarlac. The 6-foot nine-inch power forward will add more welcomed size for the Utes in the 2022-23 season.

𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙭2! Welcome to the Runnin' Utes family!!

🤝 @ben_carlson20
📍 Woodbury, Minn.
🏀 East Ridge HS / Wisconsin
🔗 https://t.co/Ca3RWP5n9v#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/r038Sf537U

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) May 19, 2022

“We are excited that Ben will be joining the Runnin’ Utes family,” head coach Craig Smith said. “Ben will bring great size, physicality and toughness to our team. He has a really good feel for the game and makes his teammates better. Ben is also very competitive and has been around winning his entire career.”

At Wisconsin

Carlson spent two seasons with the Badgers as their backup forward. The six-foot, nine-inch athlete hails from Woodbury, Minnesota. Before he chose Wisconsin, Carlson held offers from Creighton, Xavier, Michigan, and Ohio State.

Carlson had problems staying in the starting lineup at Wisconsin, mostly due to some injuries. Of particular note was a back injury during his freshman season.

During Carlson’s sophomore year he averaged 9.9 minutes, 1.6 points, two rebounds, and .1 assists per game.

Only Place To Go Is Up

The Utes were underwhelming in year one of coach Smith’s reign going 11-20. While disappointing it came as no big surprise Utah struggled. However, Smith wasted no time in the offseason bringing in new talent.

The Utes have two high school signees in Exacte Jr. and Keita. Keita comes to Utah from Wasatch Academy as a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports. Smith also hit the transfer portal hard to find Carlson, Baxter and Saunders, all of which are ranked three-star transfers. Finally, Utah also went international finding Tarlac who played in a Serbian league.

 

 

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