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Utah basketball adds former NBA guard Trey Campbell after fifth-year ruling
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- Utah basketball adds former NBA guard Trey Campbell after fifth-year ruling
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Utah basketball is taking advantage of the fifth-year rule. The team needed another well-versed guard and pulled back NBA Summer League prospect Trey Campbell.
The Northern Iowa transfer will be headed to Salt Lake City after his brief stop in the league. A huge boost for Alex Jensen and his staff, who are lacking at a few positions.
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At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Campbell knows how to space the floor efficiently and will likely have his extra year of eligibility upheld. He has played in 134 consecutive college games with over 1,400 career points at UNI. Last year was his final year in the Missouri Valley Conference, averaging 13.7 points, 3.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game. He shot 42.9 percent from 3-point range and earned second-team all-conference honors.
Campbell was a catalyst in the Panthers MVC championship season, earning an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament. Northern Iowa's season ended with a 79-53 loss to St. John's and the opening round of March madness this year. He finished with 14 points. From there, Campbell spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League, but never played.
Campbell's decision to step back could pay off tremendously for him on his NBA journey. He becomes one of the most experienced guards in the Big 12 who will prove that he's ready to play at the Power Four level. During his UNI career, Campbell finished at No. 11 in program history with 1,403 points. He became the fastest player in the program with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists.
Utah becomes one of the first teams in the nation to sign a fifth-year player to the roster. Campbell heads to Salt Lake City at the right time and will be the leader of a mostly young Utes team.
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Campbell gives Jensen someone who can add a spark to the offense and be a much-needed floor general. On defense, he finished with more steals than turnovers and was highly productive.
This is a win-win for both Campbell and Utah. He gets another year to prove himself to NBA scouts with the possibility of being drafted next year. Also, the Utes gain a durable and dependable player who will be valuable in Jensen's rotation. He is also a guard who understands the flow of a college basketball season. When it comes time for training camp, we'll get a clear indication of how Campbell fits with the rest of his teammates.
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