Utah State coach Ryan Odom talks to the staff throughout a timeout within the second half of an NCAA school basketball recreation in opposition to Utah Valley on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in Logan, Utah. Eli Lucero, The Herald Journal by way of AP
Utah State head basketball coach Ryan Odom continues to have an eye fixed for size on the basketball court docket because the Aggies have added three gamers over 6-foot-5 to the 2023-24 signing class.
As a part of Nationwide Signing Day on Thursday, Utah State welcomed signees Garrison Phelps, Kalifa Sackho and Karson Templin to this system. Phelps and Templin are highschool seniors hailing from Arizona and Texas, respectively, whereas Sackho joins this system as a junior school switch from South Plains School in Texas (he's initially from France).
“I’m thrilled to welcome Karson, Garrison and Kalifa to the Utah State basketball household,” Odom stated in a press release. “All three are large younger males who slot in completely with our program and tradition.
“They every hit it off immediately with our gamers and workers, and I do know we're all excited that they made the choice to be Aggies. Every of the three are high-level athletes who love the sport of basketball and I’m assured might be crowd favorites within the Spectrum.”
The signings point out an uptick within the recruiting profile for the Odom’s Aggies, who've only one true freshman on this season’s roster after Cache Valley native Mason Falslev joined this system following his de-commitment from the College of Utah.
Phelps is a 6-foot-6 guard from St. Mary’s Catholic Excessive College in Phoenix, Ariz. He has averaged 15.3 factors, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his highschool profession and obtained Defensive Participant of the Yr honors final season whereas successful a state championship.
“Garrison is an explosive wing with a variety of potential,” Odom stated. “He'll slot in properly with our type offensively and can be capable to stretch the protection. He's additionally a troublesome defender. Because the son of a coach, he grew up round basketball and has a fantastic really feel for the sport.”
Sackho averaged 6.4 factors, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per recreation in his freshman season at South Plains. The 6-foot-11 large began 11 video games final season and might be a starter for the Texan his 12 months. He can have two years of eligibility left when he joins the Aggies.
In an article for 247Sports final August, South Plains coach Hayden Stowers stated he obtained curiosity from “25-30 totally different colleges” concerning Sackho within the offseason. Stowers additionally stated that his offensive ability remains to be creating however “he strikes like a guard.”
“Kalifa is a high-level athlete who's a terrific shot blocker and rim protector,” Odom stated. “He runs the ground properly and might end inside. He might be an elite defensive presence for us.”
Templin is a 6-foot-8 senior out of Lovejoy Excessive College in Lucas, Tex. He averaged a double-double as a junior with 15 factors and 10.1 rebounds per recreation, together with a surprising 3.6 blocks per recreation. He was a district MVP and helped his staff to the 5A Area II quarterfinals in 2021-22.
“Karson is an explosive ahead with a excessive motor,” Odom stated. “He's an incredible rebounder with a nostril for the ball and is a talented and bodily offensive participant. He'll stretch the ground for us. Karson suits our program completely on and off the court docket.”
The Aggies prevailed of their dwelling opener in opposition to Utah Valley, 75-58, final Monday. They are going to be again on their dwelling ground to tackle Bradley on Friday night time.