West Jordan's Jordan Loveridge commits to Utah Utes basketball

West Jordan forward Jordan Loveridge made a verbal commitment to the University of Utah on Friday the Deseret News has learned.

Loveridge averaged 23.5 ppg as a junior last year for West Jordan, and is a big piece of the rebuilding project for new Ute coach Larry Krystkowiak.

Loveridge made his announcement via a press release issued by Utah Pump-N-Run Basketball, which stated he had received offers from multiple programs, including BYU, Colorado, Hawaii and Utah State.

"When it came down to it, choosing the University of Utah just felt like the right fit for me," Loveridge said in a released statement. "I'm looking forward to helping Coach K and his staff reinstate the winning team tradition that Utah basketball fans expect."

The 6-foot-6 small forward is ranked 12th in ESPNU's list of the Top 50 recruits in the West for the 2012 graduating class.

With the transfer of Skyline guard Jaden Jackson to West Jordan in the summer, the Jaguars are regarded as one of the teams to beat in Class 5A this upcoming basketball season along with Lone Peak.

Loveridge scored in double digits in every game but one last season, including a 40-point game against Cottonwood on Dec. 21.

email: jedward@desnews.com