Former Runnin’ Utes Gabe Madsen, Lawson Lovering Participated In NBA Draft Workouts
Jun 18, 2025, 5:57 PM
Utah basketball's Gabe Madsen vs Texas Tech. PHOTO courtesy by Utah Athletics.
SALT LAKE CITY—Former Utah basketball guard Gabe Madsen and big man Lawson Lovering have each drawn draft workout invites from NBA franchises.
The two capped off their careers at Utah this past season and have been going through the NBA Draft process. These opportunities are significant for each of them.
Evidenced by former Runnin’ Utes big man Branden Carlson this past season, finding the right opportunity is all it takes.
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Utah G Gabe Madsen
Workouts: Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder
The 6-foot-5 Madsen etched his name into the Utes’ record book by draining 105 three-pointers during the 2023–24 season (the single-season high) and ranks sixth all-time in career triples.
This past season with Utah, he started all 33 regular-season games and delivered some highlight reel moments. He averaged 15.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 37.1% overall and 32.2% from downtown. Shooting is his calling card as he owns an average of 36% from deep, with a best of 39.3% in his first year with Utah.
Certainly, these workouts have provided good exposure and opportunities. Madsen has the game to continue playing professionally, more than likely overseas.
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Utah C Lawson Lovering
Workout: Memphis Grizzlies
His 2024–25 averages were 8.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 53.1% shooting from the field. He posted a season-best of 25 points on 80% shooting against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
At 7’1″ and 233 lbs, he’s got the frame and is fairly mobile. Not overpowering but tough, Lovering has the requisite combination of size and athleticism to continue playing professionally.
Lovering manned the interior as a senior starter and played the role of rim protector and defensive communicator. Averaged only .7 blocks throughout his career, but was a plus-defender in various advanced metrics.
Unlike traditional back-to-the-basket centers, Lovering is a pretty capable passer. He averaged 2.7 assists and had a knack for finding cutters and lob opportunities.
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What This Means for Utah Basketball
Despite the way this season ended, Craig Smith and his Runnin’ Utes still did a lot of good. These two players gave a lot to the program during their time in Salt Lake City, and often raved about their love for the area.
These two have continued to work hard for these opportunities and will likely find a professional landing spot, here or abroad.
