Tillman Raves about Runnin' Utes Visit
Findlay Prep (Nevada) phenom, Donnie Tillman, isn’t your typical starry-eyed recruit looking for the glitz and the glam. He’s wise beyond his years, he knows what he wants, and pays attention to detail. The three-star guard/forward recently visited the University of Utah, along with his mom, and despite the Utes loss, the trip couldn’t have gone much better.
“It was really cool, good as always,” he said. “It was nice seeing the coaches and talking more in-depth with my mother around. She really enjoyed herself, Coach (Krystkowiak), the family, the team, they showed us a great time.”
Shortly after getting back home, Tillman is traveling once again, as he’s on his way to the Tarkanian Classic. Therefore, he has yet to really sit down with his mom and discuss the trip, in-depth. That being said, when that conversation takes place, it’ll be a positive one for the Utes. “We haven’t really gotten to talk much about it,” said Tillman. “She really enjoyed it though and said she trusts Coach K, he’s a great guy, and a great coach.”
According to Tillman, there were a lot of things that he enjoyed, like, “The tons of food, the amazing hotel, and just watching the guys practice,” he said. “I learned a couple things and the coaches are always teaching, that’s one thing I really liked.”
The facilities are also a huge selling point, in his mind. “There’s no reason you shouldn’t get better,” he said. “They supply you with everything you need: courts, food, hot/cold tub, everything… it’s better than some pro facilities. That’s a big positive.”
The biggest thing he took away from paying close attention to the Utah coaches, wasn’t any move or technique. Instead, it was something simple, but often forgotten. “Just about listening, that’s one big thing, said Tillman. “They say as rookies and just freshmen, you have to learn how to listen. You can’t come in as a know-it-all, you’ve got to be a sponge, and that’s one thing I really took away from them.”
As he observed, it confirmed, what Tillman already felt strong about. “One thing, Coach (Krystkowiak) is really smart. He’s always going to put the guys in the best position in the game,” he said. “Especially watching their practices. It’s up to the players to execute, but Coach K, he’s a special coach, to be honest.”
In their discussions with Tillman, the Utah staff told him that they see him as a really physical wing, aggressive and powerful at the defensive end, a good iso player in the post, and an instant scoring punch.
During the trip he put his skills to the test against Kyle Kuzma. “I played Kuzma in on-on-one. I had designer shoes on with no grip,” he said. “I was slipping everywhere. He won 7-5, but he’s not going to beat me again, though. I’ve got to get that rematch.”
While the game against Butler didn’t exactly go the Utes way, Tillman says he sees a bright future ahead, after paying attention to all the details in the practices and the game. “Sed (Barefield) and Dave (Collette), they’ll make a big difference (soon),” said Tillman. “Sed’s a pretty nice scoring guard and Dave’s is one of, if not, the best big on the team. No offense to Jayce, David’s just been around, playing college ball, and he’s got some years on him.
From that game, period. Just watching from the beginning, things have got to slow down really,” he continued. “I think, it was a really big test and Butler had some seasoned vets that have all been playing together. I think it was just a great experience for Jayce, all the freshmen, and the younger dudes who had never been put in that situation. The main point is, you’ve got slow down the game and let it come to you.”
As of now, Tillman still plans to take his time and sign in the late signing period. A commitment should be expected anywhere between mid to end of the season. Up next is TCU and he’s been talking with Cal and Iowa State. Whatever schools he visits, there’s one main thing he’s just wanting to see. “I’m trying to see them play in person, see practices,” he said. “That’s what I’m really trying to see.”
After the trip, Tillman still has Utah at or near the top, but he wants to do his due diligence.
“I really like them, but I’ve got to see some other teams before I can really say, ‘Go Utah, go Utes, you know?’” said Tillman.