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For two years, Larry Krystkowiak has needed a shooter, a specialist who can knock down open looks from the perimeter.
The Utes received that on Friday when Connor Van Brocklin committed.
A 6-foot-5 shooting guard who is left-handed, Van Brocklin has taken a long road to Division I basketball. He starred at Davis High for Jay Welk and was a senior on the team that lost an overtime classic to Lone Peak in the 2008 Class 5A semifinal.
He redshirted at Salt Lake Community College on year. He then went on a two-year LDS Church mission and then played at Snow College for two seasons. He had recruiting attemtion from a number of Big Sky Conference schools, as well as Utah Valley University. The lure of playing in the Pac-12 Conference was too much to turn down.
"Coach Krystkowiak said I could come in and fight for a spot," Van Brocklin told The Tribune on Friday. "I've always wanted to play at Utah. My father played football at Utah."
Van Brocklin will be a walk-on. He said Krystkowiak told him that could change depending on circumstance.
Van Brocklin fits a need as a specialist. People like Delon Wright and Ahmad Fields are good passers and good off the dribble. Van Brocklin will serve as a spot-up shooter.
"They need someone who can shoot the ball to go in there and help them win games," Van Brocklin said. "I've always dreamed of playing at this level."
Van Brocklin is the younger brother of Brody Van Brocklin, who played at Weber State. He and East High guard Parker Van Dyke are two local recruits coming in. Harry Whitt from Judge Memoria and Jordan Loveridge from West Jordan are also local guys, along with Xan Ricketts and Alex Mortensen
Tony Jones