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Utah center Jeremy Olsen to take medical scholarship, ends college career

Norman Powell, Jeremy Olsen

AP Photo

AP

With Jakob Poeltl deciding to return for his sophomore season, Utah should once again be a factor in the Pac-12 race in 2015-16. However the Runnin’ Utes will have to account for two personnel losses in its front court, as Dallin Bachynski is out of eligibility and Jeremy Olsen’s college career has come to an end.

Wednesday the program announced that Olsen, who’s had to deal with a nagging hip issue for much of his time at Utah, will take a medical scholarship as opposed to an athletic one. Olsen will remain a part of the program, but the move means that his college playing career has come to a close. Olsen didn’t see much playing time on last season’s Sweet 16 team, averaging 1.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in just over six minutes of action per contest.

However with Bachynski moving on, there was an opening for the big man to earn a few more minutes in 2015-16.

“It’s difficult to have my career cut short due to injury, but playing basketball for Utah has been one of the most amazing times of my life,” Olsen said in the release. “I have had so many great experiences with my teammates that I will cherish. Being a part of the progress this program has made has been so rewarding.

“This university is a place that my wife and I will always love. I am grateful that I will still be able to assist the program next year.”

Olsen will remain a part of the Utah program next season while attending graduate school, with the school noting that his role has yet to be determined. With Olsen unavailable Chris Reyes, who started 33 games at the four, could see some minutes at the center position when Poeltl needs a breather.

Utah also announced the addition of 6-foot-4 guard Lorenzo Bonam, who gives them additional depth on the perimeter as head coach Larry Krystkowiak looks to account for the loss of All-American Delon Wright.