Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball versus Nevada [Exh] on October 17, 2025
![Nevada [Exh]](https://images.sidearmdev.com/crop?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net%2Fsidearm.nextgen.sites%2Futahutes.com%2Fimages%2Flogos%2FNevadaAthletics_Navy.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
Men's Basketball
vs Nevada [Exh]
![Oregon [Exh]](https://images.sidearmdev.com/crop?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net%2Fsidearm.nextgen.sites%2Futahutes.com%2Fimages%2Flogos%2Foregon.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
Learning From Teaching
12/28/2001 12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 28, 2001
By Jeff Burdett, Sports Information Student Assistant
A smile of confidence comes across Cameron Koford's face when asked about his expectations for the 2001-02 season. He has matured as person after taking a two-year break from college basketball for an LDS Church mission. Transferring to the University of Utah in the fall of 2000, he has found a coach he believes will help make him a dominant big man as a player. And, a year spent coaching high school basketball has given him a different perspective for the game.
If you take a look at the 6-11 center's life, you'll notice athletics has always been important to him and taken up a large part of his time. He has a love for competition.
While attending Fremont High School in Plain City, Utah, Koford was a well-rounded athlete. "I competed in three sports to decorate my letterman's jacket and make me a better competitor," says Koford. In addition to basketball, he competed in tennis and was a high jumper on the track and field team. Competing in track and field helped Koford improve his speed and jumping ability.
A two-year starter in basketball, Koford dominated the paint and helped lead the Silver Wolves to a 16-7 record and a third place finish at the 5A state tournament his senior season. Koford averaged 15.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.8 blocked shots per game. Utah, BYU, Utah State and Weber State all showed interest in Koford's athletic ability and talents.
Koford chose to stay closest to home by signing with Weber State during the late signing period in 1996. He was forced to sit out his first year with the Wildcats as a partial academic qualifier.
It was during the 1996-97 season that Koford discovered an appreciation for the game of basketball from a different perspective. Koford coached junior varsity at St. Joseph's High School in Ogden, Utah. "I loved coaching." says Koford. "I learned a lot from my players." The experience made such an impact on the Utah native, that he switched his career goals to becoming a basketball coach.
Coaching basketball helped the Ute develop the mental side of the game. Koford was afforded the opportunity to study and analyze the game in a more detailed way than most players get the chance to do. Coaching taught him to view the game in a different way, and helped him to understand the playbook.
Koford's favorite part of coaching was watching his players develop from his teachings. "I love to teach and watch people grow," says Koford. His coaching career was put on hold when he was cleared to play for the Wildcats.
Koford played 21 games with one start during the 1997-98 season at Weber State. He averaged 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per game. He also shot 41.7 percent from the field and 72.7 percent from the free throw line. Ironically, he reached his season-highs of six points and 12 rebounds in 15 minutes against the Utes.
Koford spent the next two years of his life in Louisville, Ky., serving an LDS Church mission. After his mission concluded, Koford decided to transfer to the U. "It was really hard coming back to basketball," says Koford, "I wasn't sure what would happen."
Returning to basketball after playing only one season with minimal minutes made Koford understandably nervous. To make matters even tougher, the center was adjusting to new surroundings.
"It's difficult to adjust to a new coach and his system," says Koford, "but Majerus is the best "big man" coach in the country. He can pick out the smallest things you are doing wrong and help you correct them."
Koford has learned to enjoy Majerus' intense coaching style. As a result, Koford has developed into a better player during his time at Utah. However, Majerus thinks Koford still has undeveloped talents.
"Cameron is in the process of deciding if he wants to be a player," says Majerus. "If it clicks in and the commitment comes, he has an opportunity to be a fine player. If he doesn't play with passion and practice with commitment, then he's just going to be another guy out there. But given his height, his bounce, his ability to run and touch, the direction of Cameron's game lies in his hands."
Koford has taken Majerus' advice to heart by studying the game harder and working relentlessly in the weight room. He has gained 15 pounds since last season.
Koford had to get his mind, as well as his body, back into the game last season. He played in 10 games and showed his potential by scoring a career-best nine points and getting four rebounds in 11 minutes against Cardinal Stritch. "Last year prepared me for this season," says Koford.
The oldest player on the team, turning 24 on Nov. 19, Koford still feels that he has room to develop. This season, the junior's goal is to become more consistent in hopes of one day earning a starting position. He hopes to become a vital part of Utah basketball by grabbing rebounds, blocking shots and putting points on the board. "I haven't reached my full potential," says Koford.
Meet the Runnin’ Utes Staff: Erick Schork
Thursday, August 28
Utah Basketball | Team Together - Episode 2
Thursday, August 21
Fan Fest 2025 Coaches and Players Interviews: Men's Basketball
Sunday, August 17
Meet the Runnin’ Utes Staff: Victoria Sun
Wednesday, July 23