This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Now enrolled in school at the University of Utah, one-time Aggie David Collette has joined the Runnin' Utes basketball team.
Utah athletics announced the addition Wednesday evening, setting one of the state's most controversial transfers on a course to suit up in red after the 2016 fall semester.
Collette enrolled Monday in classes and should be able to join Utah for practice pending a physical and other transfer requirements. Because he was not released from his scholarship at Utah State, he'll pay his way for a year and won't be able to play until December.
A 6-foot-10 Murray High alum, Collette announced his intention to play for the Utes last month, but the Utes could not have contact with him until he enrolled, due to NCAA rules. Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak issued a warm welcome in the school's statement.
"He brings successful college playing experience to our team and has a physical nature that will help us in seasons to come," he said. "We welcome Dave and his wife, McElle, to the Utah basketball family, and look forward to the future."
In the past, Collette left a burned bridge with Utah State.
The sophomore forward averaged 12.8 points and 5 rebounds per game in his redshirt freshman season with the Aggies, but announced he would transfer after playing two exhibition games for USU this season. At the time, Utah State coach Tim Duryea mentioned concerns about outside schools "poaching" his players and that he didn't like how the transfer came about with just days before the season opener.
The fight played out for the next month, as Utah State denied Collette a release, and Collette told ESPN, Yahoo! and other media outlets that he had problems with the USU coaching staff.
Throughout the drama, Utah's coaching staff has claimed to be hands-off with Collette to stay within NCAA rules. Krystkowiak said in December that he hadn't met with Collette and said "I'm pretty darn clueless."
The Utes did recruit Collette out of Murray High, where he was an all-state player.
Jeff Collette, David's father, told the Tribune last month that his son's decision to stay in Utah was based at least in part to pay in-state tuition and live at home with his parents.
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