Utah loses former four-star recruit to transfer portal
SALT LAKE CITY (BVM) – One of the most promising young players on the University of Utah men’s basketball team has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, just days after Craig Smith was announced as the program’s next head coach.
Freshman guard Ian Martinez will explore his options elsewhere after playing in all 25 games for the Utes this past season. Despite averaging 5.2 points on 49.5% shooting in limited action (15.8 minutes per game), Martinez’ play improved and his role increased as the season progressed.
It came to an apex during Utah’s double-overtime loss to USC in the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinal where Martinez scored a career-high 18 points on 70% shooting in 29 minutes.
Martinez’ situation is a unique one because his father, Henry, is an assistant coach on the Utah staff. Ian’s decision to enter the transfer portal might indicate that Henry won’t be retained on staff by Smith, especially since former Utes head coach Larry Krystkowiak said publicly that he hired Henry in part to get Ian to Salt Lake City.
Ian was a four-star recruit out of JSerra Catholic High School and averaged 23.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists as a senior. There are now five Utes in the transfer portal with Norbert Theliseen, Timmy Allen, Alfonso Plummer and Jordan Kellier as the others.
