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Men's Basketball Signs Norbert Thelissen
7/27/2020 3:33 PM | Men's Basketball
The Utah men’s basketball team announced the signing of Norbert Thelissen Monday afternoon.
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah men's basketball team added to its front court on Monday with the signing of Norbert Thelissen head coach Larry Krystkowiak announced.
"Norbert's combination of experience, skill, athleticism and high basketball IQ really stood out to us," Krystkowiak said. "We are very excited and grateful for his belief in our program and decision to play college ball rather than the professional route in Europe. Due to our current NCAA rules, Norbert will not be eligible for competition until fall of 2021."
Thelissen comes to the Utes having spent the last two-plus seasons with Heroes Den Bosch. He made his debut in the fall of 2017 before wrapping up his time with Heroes Den Bosch this past spring to come stateside. In his first full season, the 6-7 forward saw action in 19 games during the 2018-19 campaign as well as the 2019-20 season.
"We hate to lose Norbert in our organization," said Roel Van de Graaf, Sports Director for Heroes Den Bosch. "He was an amateur but always acted as a professional on and off the court. He has reached his potential and the Utah coaching staff and Andy Hill in particular did a great job in informing Norbert and his family. The style of play where the kids share the ball and create options for each other is a style Norbert is used to at Heroes Den Bosch. Again, we hate to see him go but we are proud he will be joining the University of Utah.
The 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherland, native also comes with plenty of international experience playing in the FIBA U20 European Championships. While in Matosinho, Portugal, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in eight games to go with a .742 shooting clip.
"Norbert's combination of experience, skill, athleticism and high basketball IQ really stood out to us," Krystkowiak said. "We are very excited and grateful for his belief in our program and decision to play college ball rather than the professional route in Europe. Due to our current NCAA rules, Norbert will not be eligible for competition until fall of 2021."
Thelissen comes to the Utes having spent the last two-plus seasons with Heroes Den Bosch. He made his debut in the fall of 2017 before wrapping up his time with Heroes Den Bosch this past spring to come stateside. In his first full season, the 6-7 forward saw action in 19 games during the 2018-19 campaign as well as the 2019-20 season.
"We hate to lose Norbert in our organization," said Roel Van de Graaf, Sports Director for Heroes Den Bosch. "He was an amateur but always acted as a professional on and off the court. He has reached his potential and the Utah coaching staff and Andy Hill in particular did a great job in informing Norbert and his family. The style of play where the kids share the ball and create options for each other is a style Norbert is used to at Heroes Den Bosch. Again, we hate to see him go but we are proud he will be joining the University of Utah.
The 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherland, native also comes with plenty of international experience playing in the FIBA U20 European Championships. While in Matosinho, Portugal, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in eight games to go with a .742 shooting clip.
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