Utah Basketball Linked To Four-Star Recruit, Exciting Transfer Portal Targets
Mar 24, 2025, 1:05 PM | Updated: 4:32 pm
Utah Utes fans cheer during a men’s basketball game at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. (Photo Cred: Megan Nielson, Deseret News)
(Photo Cred: Megan Nielson, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY—It’s the first day of the transfer portal window for college basketball, and Alex Jensen’s Utah basketball program has been linked to several promising recruits.
With Raphael Chillious leading the program’s efforts, the Utes seem focused on reconstructing the roster. Though it’s very early in the process, Utah seems to be emerging as a contender for a few prospects.
Amarri Monroe from Quinnipiac and Langston Reynolds of Nother Colorado entered the transfer portal over the weekend. Meanwhile, former West Virginia commit Kelvin Odih has backed off of his commitment to the Mountaineers.
RELATED: Alex Jensen Adds Former NBA Assistant Raphael Chillious To His Utah Basketball Staff
Utah basketball’s connection to Top 100 recruit, Kelvin Odih
Odih’s former coach at South Kent School was Raphael Chillious, who directly connects Utah to the talented guard. Odih played his senior season in California with the So Cal Academy, but prior to that Odih was with South Kent under Chillious.
That relationship will play a key role in the recruitment of Odih. It also serves as an example of why Chillious was the first staff member hired. His recruiting connections will be vital to Utah over the next few weeks.
Utah is not the only program connected to Odih, though. He’s also been linked to Texas A&M, Creighton, and Oklahoma State. It is also just the first day of the transfer portal, so expect other schools to enter the fray.
Update: Providence native Kelvin Odih has heard from Utah & Oklahoma State. Tough time for someone in his position with the transfer portal being the focus. https://t.co/eXubusRn0Q
— Brendan McGair (@BWMcGair03) March 24, 2025
It would not come as a surprise to see other programs like Rutgers, Louisville, or Creighton re-enter the recruitment. Those programs were on the final list of schools for Odih, prior to his commitment to West Virginia. Also, have to consider that Darian DeVries at Indiana and the new staff at West Virginia make a run at the talented guard.
Since reopening his recruitment, Odih has not set any official visits, but expect that to change soon. Given the connection to Chillious, Utah should be in the mix to get him on campus soon.
Who is Amarri Monroe in the transfer portal?
Monroe started in 31 of 32 games for the Bobcats played this season, averaging 18.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, and was No. 2 in the MAAC in steals. He was named to the All-MAAC First Team and was honored with the MAAC Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season.
Since entering the portal, the 6-foot-7, 220-pound senior-to-be has drawn interest from several power programs. He has already heard from Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Rutgers, and Utah.
Monroe is another player who is connected to Utah’s new assistant coach. Originally from New York, Monroe played under Chillious at South Kent where he averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game his senior year, 2021-22.
Monroe will be a highly sought-after portal target and could be another one that could move quickly.
A bit of college hoops intel for anyone interested:
Per sources, MAAC Player of the Year and Quinnipiac star Amarri Monroe has drawn interest from Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Rutgers, and Utah since entering the transfer portal on Friday#MarchMadness || #NCAAMBB pic.twitter.com/xhBaK7rris
— Aidan Sen (@aidansen123) March 24, 2025
What about Langston Reynolds in the portal?
The former Utah Prospects guard has entered the transfer portal after three productive seasons at Northern Colorado. Given the connection to the Utah Prospects program, there is a direct link to Utah.
This past season as a junior, Reynolds averaged 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He shot 59% from the field and 41% from 3-point range but just 67% from the free throw line.
At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Reynolds is an athletic wing that can defend multiple positions. He helped lead UNC to a Big Sky regular season championship.
Northern Colorado 6’4 Junior Langston Reynolds is one of most ridiculous athletes in the Transfer Portal.
Reynolds had a great season where he averaged 16/6/3 and shot 59% from the field.
Reynolds has one of the quickest first steps in the country and has the ability to dunk… pic.twitter.com/YleuwFHNrv
— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) March 22, 2025
One to keep an eye on, Isaiah Watts
The former Washington State guard announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. This season, Watts averaged 11 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
He does not appear to be officially in the portal, but a source has indicated there will be interest as soon as he does.
Thank you Pullman 🫶🏽 pic.twitter.com/ywUxMpMCWZ
— isaiah watts (@isaiahdwatts) March 19, 2025
Why Odih, Monroe, Reynolds, Watts matter for Utah
Odih is a top-100 recruit in the 2025 class. He is the type of player who can contribute from day one. Monroe is an experienced collegiate player who has produced at a really high level for a Quinnipiac team that finished first in the MAAC. Reynolds is one with local ties and connections to the program, which is an important dynamic for Jensen to tap into. Watts has been a very productive guard at Washington State.
All four possess the sort of size, athleticism, and overall feel for the game that makes them wings modern programs covet. In a conference loaded with talent, Utah needs high-level athletes who can compete night in and night out, and these guys fit the bill.
For Utah fans, these are the sort of talented prospects the program needs and should be involved with more often. Keep an eye on movement from these three in the coming days and weeks because Utah seems poised to make a splash.
