Utah Basketball’s Keanu Dawes Has Withdrawn From The NCAA Transfer Portal
Apr 2, 2025, 11:59 AM | Updated: Apr 3, 2025, 2:36 pm
SALT LAKE CITY—After entering the portal over the weekend, Utah basketball forward Keanu Dawes has withdrawn his name from the NCAA Transfer Portal.
As Alex Jensen and his staff rebuild the roster, Dawes’s apparent return gives Utah a foundational piece with which to move forward.
Dawes is coming off a double-double performance of 19 points and 11 rebounds against Butler in the opening round of the College Basketball Crown Tournament.
The sophomore forward averaged 8.0 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 60% from the field.
Utah forward Keanu Dawes has withdrawn from the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.
Averaged 8.3ppg and 6.4 rebounds. https://t.co/uOWMfDSkh6 pic.twitter.com/BQLTB2ysDS
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 2, 2025
Keanu Dawes withdrawal from the transfer portal is significant for Utah
He’s turned into an efficiency monster with his overall productivity. He showed the ability to knock down free throws and timely shots outside the paint, all of which were on display over the final few games of the season.
With how the season played out for the Utes, Dawes turned into a real bright spot over the last month or so. As such, he’s become a big priority in the eyes of the fanbase.
Despite entering the portal, Dawes was considered one of the top players to retain. To get him to withdraw from the portal at this early stage is a significant win for the Utes.
Dawes gives Jensen a proven commodity and someone to build a roster around.
The journey so far for Dawes
Dawes started his college career with Rice in 2023. After his first and only year with the program, he hit the portal and committed to Utah last spring.
After a slow start to the season, Dawes emerged as one of the Utes’ more consistent producers. He improved his averages in points, rebounds, assists, and shooting splits while averaging five fewer minutes than his freshman campaign.
Despite the team’s struggles towards the finish line, Dawes finished strong. He ended the year with career highs in points (21) and rebounds (15) against UCF in the Big 12 tournament.
Out here just doing practice reps @keanu_28 😳 pic.twitter.com/l1pFG2NmRG
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) July 30, 2024
Alex Jensen Rebuilding Runnin’ Utes Program Will Strengthen Utah Basketball Community
With Alex Jensen now leading the University of Utah men’s basketball program, the former Runnin’ Ute standout will soon begin to lay the foundation for his program.
Jensen’s connection to the university and extensive coaching background uniquely positions him to reconnect the program with its storied history and inspire optimism for the future.
It’s become clear, though, that his mere presence is already resonating with the Utah basketball community, which bodes well for him and the program’s future.
Introducing, the 17th Head Coach in Runnin’ Utes History, Alex Jensen‼️ pic.twitter.com/khgmVsyjHB
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) March 18, 2025
Within the state of Utah, there is a strong basketball community. Thanks to the Utah Jazz and the success of nearly every local college program, basketball carries a lot of value here. The hiring of Jensen strengthens Utah basketball’s own community, which is a tight-knit, passionate group with a dedicated fanbase and former players.
His mere presence has already resonated with Runnin’ Utes fans. Utah’s ticket office has seen a surge in inquiries regarding season tickets, particularly from fans who had distanced themselves in recent years. Not only have previous season ticket holders expressed interest in returning to the Huntsman Center, but hundreds of totally new season ticket requests have flooded the ticket office.
That speaks to one aspect of the Utah basketball community, but another is the relationship between the program and former players. Many Runnin’ Ute alums have expressed renewed enthusiasm, eager to see Jensen steer the program back to prominence.
