Top 12 Best Utah Basketball Players

#12: Byron “Bunny” Park (1929-1933)

• Position: Guard
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 160 lbs

Byron “Bunny” Park was one of the earliest stars in Utah basketball history. Playing in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Park was known for his quickness, ball-handling skills, and scoring ability. He led the Utes to multiple successful seasons and was a key player in establishing Utah as a competitive program. 

Park was named an All-American in 1933, becoming one of the first players from Utah to earn such an honor. After his collegiate career, Park continued to be involved in basketball and remained a prominent figure in the Utah sports community. His contributions to the program set the foundation for future generations of Utah basketball players.

#11: Jakob Poeltl (2014-2016)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 245 lbs

Jakob Poeltl made a significant impact during his two seasons with the Utah Utes. Known for his impressive defensive presence and efficient scoring, Poeltl averaged 17.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game during his sophomore season. He was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year and earned second-team All-American honors in 2016.

Poeltl led the Utes to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2015. Poeltl declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and was selected 9th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2016 NBA Draft. He has since become a reliable center in the NBA, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding skills.

#10: Josh Grant (1988-1993)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 223 lbs

Josh Grant was a versatile forward who played a pivotal role for the Utah Utes during his collegiate career. Averaging 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game during his senior season, Grant was known for his scoring ability and rebounding prowess. He earned WAC Player of the Year honors in 1991 and was a two-time All-WAC selection. 

Grant led the Utes to three NCAA Tournament appearances, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s greats. Grant was selected 43rd overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1993 NBA Draft and had a successful professional career overseas.

#9: Billy McGill (1959-1962)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 215 lbs

Billy McGill was one of the most dominant big men in Utah basketball history. Known for his scoring and rebounding abilities, McGill averaged 27.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game during his senior season. He was a two-time All-American and led the nation in scoring in 1962.

McGill led the Utes to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and remains one of the most prolific scorers in the program’s history. McGill was selected 1st overall by the Chicago Zephyrs in the 1962 NBA Draft and enjoyed a career in the NBA and ABA, known for his scoring prowess.

#8: Andrew Bogut (2003-2005)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 260 lbs

Andrew Bogut had a stellar two-year career with the Utah Utes, establishing himself as one of the best centers in college basketball. During his sophomore season, Bogut averaged 20.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He was named the Naismith College Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American in 2005.

Bogut led the Utes to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court. Bogut declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and was selected 1st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2005 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a successful NBA career, winning an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015.

#6: Michael Doleac (1994-1998)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’11”, 262 lbs

Michael Doleac was a dominant force in the paint for the Utah Utes. During his senior season, Doleac averaged 16.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, helping lead the team to the NCAA Championship game in 1998. Known for his scoring ability and defensive presence, Doleac earned All-American honors and was named to the All-WAC First Team.

His leadership and performance were crucial in Utah’s memorable tournament run. Doleac was selected 12th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 1998 NBA Draft and enjoyed a 10-year NBA career, known for his reliability and solid play.

#5: Arnie Ferrin (1944-1948)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 180 lbs

Arnie Ferrin is one of the most decorated players in Utah basketball history. Ferrin led the Utes to the 1944 NCAA Championship as a freshman, earning tournament MVP honors. He was a two-time All-American and helped the team secure an NIT Championship in 1947.

Known for his scoring and leadership, Ferrin remains a legendary figure in Utah’s storied history. Ferrin went on to play professionally in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), a precursor to the NBA, and later served as the athletic director at the University of Utah.

#4: Danny Vranes (1977-1981)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 lbs

Danny Vranes was a versatile forward known for his defensive prowess and all-around game. During his senior season, Vranes averaged 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, earning All-American honors. He was named the WAC Player of the Year in 1981 and helped lead the Utes to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

Vranes’ impact on both ends of the court made him one of the most well-rounded players in Utah history. Vranes was selected 5th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1981 NBA Draft and played seven seasons in the NBA, known for his defensive skills.

#3: Tom Chambers (1977-1981)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 220 lbs

Tom Chambers was a dynamic scorer and rebounder for the Utah Utes. Averaging 18.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game during his senior season, Chambers was known for his athleticism and ability to score from anywhere on the court.

He earned All-WAC honors and helped lead the Utes to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Chambers’ exciting style of play and scoring ability made him a standout player in Utah history. Chambers was selected 8th overall by the San Diego Clippers in the 1981 NBA Draft and enjoyed a stellar 16-year NBA career, earning four All-Star selections and becoming one of the most prolific scorers of his era.

#2: Andre Miller (1995-1999)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs

Andre Miller was one of the most talented and versatile point guards in Utah history. Known for his exceptional playmaking and leadership, Miller averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game during his senior season. 

He led the Utes to the NCAA Championship game in 1998 and was named a consensus second-team All-American. Miller’s ability to control the game and make his teammates better was unparalleled. Miller was selected 8th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1999 NBA Draft and had a highly successful 17-year NBA career, known for his durability and exceptional playmaking skills.

#1: Keith Van Horn (1993-1997)

• Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 220 lbs

Keith Van Horn is widely regarded as the best player in Utah basketball history. During his senior season, Van Horn averaged 22.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, leading the Utes to the NCAA Elite Eight. 

He was a three-time WAC Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. Van Horn finished his career as Utah’s all-time leading scorer with 2,542 points. Van Horn was selected 2nd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1997 NBA Draft and had a successful 10-year NBA career, known for his scoring ability and versatility.