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Utah men's basketball announced a new addition on Friday morning: 6-foot-11 Czech center Jakub Jokl.
Making his signing official on the final day of the Division I spring signing period, the Utes are hopeful the skilled European big man can help replace the production of the one who just left for the NBA.
Jokl comes to Utah through the Canarias Basketball Academy in Spain, where he played for the last year and was recruited by assistant Andy Hill. Jokl also has played for the Czech Republic's U-16 and U-18 national squads, where he's showed shooting touch in the post.
"I think he's a bona fide 5-man: He's got real solid athleticism, great hands and skill," coach Larry Krystkowiak told The Tribune. "It's hard to evaluate how the transition will go, so you can't place too many expectations on him — not too many comparisons with a guy like Jakob [Poeltl]. But we think he's got a really bright future."
With Jokl, the Utes have a completely new look to their front court while replacing the reigning Kareem Abdul-Jabbar center of the year in Poeltl.
Jokl joins redshirt freshman center Jayce Johnson, who enrolled midseason last year and whom Krystkowiak describes as a passionate, physical rebounder who adds toughness to the group. The Utes also signed 4-man Tyler Rawson, a versatile big man out of Salt Lake Community College who can score from range and pass well. In December, the Utes will be able to play transfer David Collette, who was a standout scorer while playing for Utah State in 2014-15.
In addition to returning starter Kyle Kuzma (10.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg), who may play some additional time at the 3-spot, the Utes replace Poeltl's steady post production with a squadron of forwards they believe will offer versatility.
"Some spots with not a lot of experience, and there's some open roles," Krystkowiak said. "I think all the kids coming into the program are excited about that. We're gonna scramble them all up and see what we can put together."
As has often been the case this year, the arrival also brings news of a departure: 6-foot-9 freshman forward Makol Mawien will transfer to a junior college after redshirting last season. Krystkowiak said the coaching staff and Mawien mutually agreed he would be best off getting more playing time elsewhere.
Change has been a recurring theme for the Utes this offseason. From last year's season-starting scholarship roster, three seniors have graduated, Poeltl left for the NBA, and five transfers have left the program.
There could still be another departure, as the Utes are waiting for more health evaluations of junior guard Kenneth Ogbe, who may no longer be able to play basketball after dealing with lingering injuries for most of the past two seasons.
Ogbe's future with the program seemed to take an additional blow Friday when 6-foot-5 Harold Baruti, a three-star (Rivals) small forward out of Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Va., announced he was committing to Utah. Coaches are not able to comment on unsigned recruits, but The Tribune has learned the Utes may sign Baruti as soon as next week.
To date, the Utes lead the Pac-12 in transfers with five, according to a master list of Division I transfers by ESPN. USC and Washington State have four apiece.
Krystkowiak said Jokl has not yet visited Utah, and his CBA team is finishing up a tournament this week.
Twitter: @kylegoon