Background

I played and studied at the University of Utah for 2 years, my first year being the 2003/2004 season, my second being the 2004/2005 season. I was a pre business major whilst at Utah.

My second year was like night and day from my first. Brewing with confidence from a decent Olympic campaign, I played very confidently my second year at the University of Utah along the way sweeping up every major collegiate award, but more importantly getting to a sweet 16 finish. I think the Olympic campaign in 2004 worked wonders for my 04/05 season with the Utes. My confidence was at a all time high after playing against grown men, and somewhat holding my own, This confidence made me feel like a man amongst boys in the college game. Another big factor was the newly signed head coach Ray Giacoletti. Prior to the 2004/2005 season, I was unsure if I would return, or sign in Europe for a lucrative deal, one of which was from my idol the late Drazen Petrovic's Club Cibona, whom were based in Zagreb, Croatia.

Ray Giacoletti knew about my 50/50 chance, and without hesitation flew to Melbourne Australia to see if he could get me back in a Utes uniform. I had previously stated that after an average first year in college that I wasn't sure if I could trust another college coach and whether it was in my best interests to go back for another year. But the gesture of flying out to Australia, just for 24 hours, basically to talk to My family and I face to face, was almost enough for me to sign on the dotted line immediately. After a brief talk with My parents and me, Ray was a happy man on the plane trip back to Utah, as I had given my word that I would be back, the only condition being that I wanted the keys to the team, and a chance to try and lead the team. I wanted to lead the Runnin' Utes back to a deep tournament run whilst at the same time being allowed to play freely and full of confidence, which wasn't the case my freshmen year.

Once the season kicked off there was no stopping us. Ray Giacoletti pounded the ball inside every time down the floor, and the team prospered with a mid season run that was one of the best of the year. We peaked to 18 game win streak, which at the time was the longest standing run of the year. Following a Mountain West Conference League Title, we went on the reach the sweet 16, beating two very good opponents along the way in Utep, followed by The University of Oklahoma. Kentucky, who has been the thorn in Utah's side for many years ended our final four dream 62-52.

The rest is history. Salt Lake City will forever be in my memories, and it was one of the best times, not only in my basketball life, but in life away from the court. The people of Utah helped me become a better player, and most importantly a better person. After arriving from Australia my first year, I was very homesick and thought many times of boarding a plane the next day and going home, but it was the people of Utah who had embraced me and had helped me in so many ways. They kept me fighting and helped me remain a Runnin' Ute, even if it was only for one more year! 

Right before being drafted I wanted to help the University in some way. I had pledged to donate $125,000 to upgrade the University's Basketball Locker Rooms. Thus starting a snowball effect and having other former Ute greats also donate money for the benefit of Athletics program.

Below you can find a full statistical breakdown of my 2 years at The University of Utah. 

GO UTES!!!

Proud To Be a Runnin' Ute

I ended up capping of a great year by being lucky enough to sweep every major Collegiate award. Here's a list of some of the awards:          

1. ESPN Player of the Year, John R. Wooden Award
2.  Player of the Year, Mountain West Conference
3.  Oscar Robertson Trophy
4.  Pete Newell Big Man of the Year
5.  Naismith Trophy
6.  First Team All American