SALT LAKE CITY — Utah star center Jakob Poeltl wasn't expecting to have a dramatic summer following his freshman year. He had just completed his first year in the United States at the University of Utah, and he had the sting of losing to the eventual national champion in the Sweet 16 still on his mind.
Time was of the essence, though, with the NBA Draft deadline rapidly approaching just days after the NCAA Tournament concluded.
As one of the best centers in college basketball last season, Poeltl had the difficult decision whether to stay at Utah where he had been given an opportunity to showcase his skills or try his hand as one of a few elite athletes talented enough to make it in the NBA by declaring for the draft.