Utah Utes basketball: Grim, former Mr. Basketball, leaving Utes' basketball team

Utah forward Morgan Grim has asked for and been granted his release from the University of Utah basketball program.

The 6-foot-8 sophomore started four games this year, but played sparingly and sat out 11 games with a foot injury. He averaged just 0.7 points and 0.8 rebounds and only played more than 10 minutes in a game twice against Air Force and Colorado State in mid-January.

"I am very thankful for my time at Utah," said Grim. "However, I believe it is in my best interest to continue my career at another institution. I appreciate the chance to be a Ute but I think it is time to explore other opportunities."

As a freshman, Grim played in 26 games, averaging 0.9 points and 1.0 rebounds. Before coming to Utah, Grim was named Mr. Basketball by the Deseret News after leading Riverton High to the state 5A championship game in 2006-07.

"We would like to thank Morgan for his work and contribution to this program," said Boylen. "He will leave in good standing as a student-athlete and we wish him luck in the next stage of his collegiate career."

The Utes have five players coming in next year: recruits Marshall Henderson (6-2, Hurst, Texas), Jeremy Olsen (6-11, Lawrenceville, Ga.), Matt Read (6-9, Collin County CC, Texas), Jay Watkins (6-6, Memphis) and Shawn Glover (6-7, Cedar Hill, Texas). Also David Foster, a 7-foot-2 center from California, will be coming off his mission in May.

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