Dubois excited to be a Ute

This week Utah basketball landed another key player for its rebuilding project as combo guard Jarred Dubois announced he would transfer from Loyola Marymount to finish his career as a Ute.

For Dubois, Utah felt like a natural fit to finish his college career, especially because of the experience of the coaching staff. "I think [the thing that sold me on Utah] was the overall coaching staff and their experience with college and pro basketball, and their knowledge of the game. I also really liked the players that I met on my one-on-one visit. They're high character people," Dubois explained.

The idea of helping restore a proud basketball tradition was also an important factor for Dubois. "Knowing the history of the University of Utah and the amount of support that they have is another thing that made me want to go there," he said.

At Utah, Dubois will be reunited with coach DeMarlo Slocum, who has had a relationship with the guard since his prep days.

"I knew Coach [DeMarlo] Slocum back when I was in high school when he was an AAU coach. That was before he was even a college coach. Our relationship is more than just college basketball. The other coaches that I met, their knowledge of the game was something that I was really happy about and excited about. They know so much about the game. Coach Krystkowiak has played for two of the best coaches of my lifetime - Jerry Sloan and Phil Jackson. I can't ask for much more than to play for someone who had guidance from those two," he said.

Dubois plans on bringing a strong work ethic and his four years of Division I basketball experience to help the Utes rebuild next season. "I think the fact that I'm a lead by example kind of guard helps my situation with the new players and environment. My dedication to the defensive end is something that I'm going to try to bring to Utah. Defense is going to win. If you take it seriously like I do to stop the other team, you'll be successful," he said.

In Dubois, the Utes get a 6-foot-3 inch guard who is capable of playing both guard spots and giving the coaching staff a more versatile lineup. He was a consistent scorer during his time at LMU, and hopes to be able to provide a scoring punch. According to Dubois, the most important thing he brings to the table is his attitude.

"A lot of people were talking and questioning about if [my decision to go to Utah] is the right decision. It's my job to make sure it was the right decision. I'm going to bring in a positive mindset. I'll work hard and perform at a high level and play the right way. I want to go in and help turn program around. It will be fun," he said.

Dubois plans on enrolling in a graduate program in June, and is planning on studying education or communications. He will also join the team for their summer exhibition trip to Brazil, which is something that Dubois is looking forward to.

"That's going to be a chance for everyone to get used to playing together. Practice means a lot for a new team. For us, the trip gives the guys a chance to go out and have fun. Off the court, that's what I'm more excited about - to get to know guys. Once you have a relationship with the other players, it carries onto the court. I think that's going to help out a lot. We're going to come out and play as hard as we can, and try to turn the program around," he said.

Although Dubois won't finish his career at Loyola Marymount, he is grateful for the opportunities that he was given by the university. "I felt like the biggest goal that I accomplished there was graduating. That's something I'll treasure more than any win I had or big game I had individually. No one can take that away from me. People will forget what I did on the court 20 years from now, but nobody can take away walking away with a degree," he said.