Zamora picks Utes

The Runnin' Utes' recruiting weekend began with a bang on Saturday, as Yuba CC (Marysville, Calif.) guard Jojo Zamora was offered on his official visit to Salt Lake City and committed on the spot.

"I was at a loss for words at the time (of the offer)," said Zamora. "My parents were right there, kind of teared up a little bit. I've been waiting for this my whole life, so it was just a dream come true."

For the talented sharp-shooter, there really was no debating, "As soon as he asked me, I told him I was all in," he said.

From that point on, Zamora went through film with Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak, studying clips of both the current team and also of Zamora. "Coach K talked to me a little bit about - after I committed - the stuff they run. He showed me clips and stuff they run and how I can work out of that offense," he said. "Basically showed me some of my weaknesses, stuff I need to work on and things I need to do to get ready. He told me he was still going to be on me now that I'm a Ute, I'm committed to it, and he's still going to be on me, checking out my games and giving me advice throughout the season."

Zamora's host on the trip was Kyle Kuzma, who has become a popular host on recruiting visits. The two hit it off immediately.

When Zamora arrives in the Utah program, he will be looked at to fill the same role of senior guard Brandon Taylor, who has been a reliable shooter for the Utes. "Coming in and playing with another guard named Lorenzo (Bonham)," said Zamora. "They want me and him to come in and probably play one and two together. I gotta earn everything. Nothing is given, and I know that."

Utah's offense is appealing to Zamora because he feels that it fits his skill set perfectly. "Coming off of screens and shooting right away, that was one of them," he said. "Coming off a double screen, catching and shooting right away. My shot is good but I can always perfect it, coming off a screen and pulling it without any hesitation."

For Zamora and his family, the visit to Utah couldn't have gone any better. "[I loved] everything," he said. "Coming off the plane, coming to a five-star hotel, the players are nice, everything. I got a good vibe from it. That's what really made my decision. The practices went well. I liked how they practiced. The offense coach runs is great. That's why I think it was a good spot for me to go."

The Utes beat out Gonzaga and UTEP for the talent guard, and he was the first to commit in a crucial recruiting class that also added center Jayce Johnson on the trip.

Zamora is ready to get to work with the rest of 2016 recruiting class and has every intention to keep this proud program rolling. "I'm just excited. I'm ready to get in there and try to make it to the finals," he said. "That's basically it. I'm trying to do big things when I come in and really impact the program."