Deivon Smith Breaks 30-Year-Old Pac-12 Record Held By Jason Kidd
Mar 27, 2024, 11:28 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – A 30-year-old Pac-12 record originally held by Cal and NBA star Jason Kidd now permanently belongs to Deivon Smith and the Runnin’ Utes.
That triple-double also secured Smith a record that will never be broken due to the Pac-12’s demise after this competitive season wraps.
Mama, there goes that man‼️
5️⃣ Triple-Doubles
• Most in Pac-12 History EVER
• T2nd Most in #NCAA history
• T1st Most in 2023-24 #GoUtes | @sneakgod pic.twitter.com/JVyuvx1ktZ— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) March 28, 2024
Deivon Smith On His New Record
As pointed out by Utah Athletics’ digital and creative media director, Matt Sanchez, Smith’s feat is even more impressive when you consider he didn’t play in the first third of the season due to a battle with the NCAA over his transfer waiver.
What an incredible feat! Especially when you factor in that he didn’t play for the first month+ of the season.
👏👏👏👏👏👏 https://t.co/g9HWWipuT5
— Matt Sanchez (@_MattSanchez) March 28, 2024
Three days prior, Smith earned his fourth triple-double against Iowa in the second round of the NIT. During postgame, Smith said he was really motivated to get the record in front of the Huntsman crowd when he knew it was attainable.
“It’s a blessing,” Smith said. “Before the four games it didn’t really mean anything, but tonight I really wanted to break it. Especially at home. I really wanted it tonight. My teammates- BC, Cole, whoever is out on the floor- they just go to their spots and are running with me- we’re talking on the court, and it just makes my job way easier. I’m sure it helps them as well.”
Smith continued to give credit to his team by noting they have been playing some of their best ball in the NIT.
“I just feel like we are super connected right now,” Smith said. “We’re playing our best basketball right now.”
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Utah legend Branden Carlson knows a thing or two about having a Pac-12 record that will stand forever, chimed in with a funny remark after Smith wrapped up his response.
“He’s just lucky he has some bigs that box out so he can fly…”
Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for KSLsports.com and host of both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Threads: @BodkinKSLsports
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