Reyes chooses Utah

With his season over, it was anticipated that Citrus College power forward Chris Reyes would be taking his last two visits to Utah State and Boise State. However, after a few conversations, Reyes knew that he had already found the right fit. On Friday night, Reyes called the Utah coaches to give them the news.

"I called Coach Slocum to let him know because Coach (Krystkowiak) was (at a dinner) I believe, so I called Coach Slocum to let him know," said Reyes. "He was shocked actually, he was speechless, so that's also what makes me excited to be joining the Utah family."

Later that night, he also got in touch with his future head coach. "(Coach Krystkowiak) said he couldn't wait for me to get up there, so that's great," claimed Reyes.

Reyes and his parents have carefully evaluated all of the interested schools recently because academic support was key in his decision. Instead of visiting Logan and Boise, he heard all that he needed to hear from some faculty at Citrus College.

"I actually spoke with a couple professors I have at my Juco and I was just asking how the academic support is at Utah State and Boise State," he said. "They were telling me a couple things like, some points are good and some points are bad. So I was like, 'Okay I'm going to sit down with my family and discuss this with them."

After that advice, Reyes felt the time was right to sit down with his family. "We all agreed on Utah having the best facilities and the best support," he said. "That's basically what made me make my decision."

With his past academic troubles a thing of the past, Reyes looks back at his brief time with St. Mary's as a redshirt freshman and he's thankful it prepared him for where he is at today.

"It was a blessing in disguise," said Reyes. "Being able to go up to St. Mary's, redshirt for that year and unfortunately I didn't do too well in the classroom-I still had the opportunity to go up there, gain 30 pounds of muscle, and also work on my game. Then coming back (to Citrus). I was able to fit that into the way I play. I found out that it really helped me when Utah decided to come in contact with me."

Reyes will be bringing a well-rounded inside/outside game to the Huntsman next year, but he believes the greatest asset he will bring, is something the Utes have sorely lacked at times this year. "I really see myself helping them in the rebounding area," he said. "I see that they've lost a couple games based on rebounds and the coaches told me that."

Look for Reyes to arrive during either the first or second summer semester, but until then, he is anxiously counting down the days. "Man, I just can't wait to get out there. It's a great atmosphere that they have out there. I can't wait to go," he said.