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The University of Utah Athletics
Runnin' Utes Ink Layton Native David Katoa During Early Signing Period
11/9/2023 10:06 AM | Men's Basketball
Utah men’s basketball signs local product, David Katoa, to national letter of intent for next season.
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah men's basketball team adds more depth to its backcourt with the signing of Layton native David Katoa on Thursday during the early signing period Runnin' Utes head coach Craig Smith announced.
"We're ecstatic to welcome David into our Runnin' Utes family," said Smith. "David is an exceptional talent with a remarkable athletic background. He comes from a family deeply rooted in athletics, with his parents and siblings all having excelled in sports at Utah, USC and BYU. David's versatility as a player and ability to play 1-3 makes him an invaluable addition to our team. He's also got an uncanny ability to make electrifying plays above the rim, something that will get Ute fans out of their seats. Guys like David have proven to impact our program and community."
Katoa will join the Runnin' Utes next fall after graduating from Layton High School next spring. He spent most of his prep career playing for Utah Prep, formerly known as Real Salt Lake Basketball Academy (RSL Academy). The 6-4 guard is a four-star prospect according to ESPN and is a three-star recruit according to 247Sports, Rivals and On3. The Layton native is expected to return for his senior season this winter at LHS.
He saw action in seven games with Utah Prep before tearing his ACL last season. In that short span, Katoa averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds. As a sophomore, Katoa helped the team post a 20-8 overall record averaging 14.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.0 blocks per MaxPreps. Katoa had a solid freshman season where he averaged 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals with then RSL Academy.
Katoa is the youngest in a family of Division I athletes that starts with both his parents. His father was a tight end (1988-90) at BYU while his mother was a distance runner (1990) for the Cougars. Katoa's second oldest sister Mariah started her volleyball career at BYU (2011) before finishing her career at Weber State (2012-14). His sister Eliza was a member of the Utah volleyball team (2014-16) and beach volleyball squad (2017) while his brother Taylor was member of the USC football team (2017, 2020-22). In addition, his sister Lia competed in the throws events at Weber State (2022-23) for two seasons before transferring to BYU.
For the latest news and information on the Runnin' Utes men's basketball program, fans can stay connected online at www.UtahUtes.com and on social media by following @UtahMBB on Facebook, X and Instagram.
"We're ecstatic to welcome David into our Runnin' Utes family," said Smith. "David is an exceptional talent with a remarkable athletic background. He comes from a family deeply rooted in athletics, with his parents and siblings all having excelled in sports at Utah, USC and BYU. David's versatility as a player and ability to play 1-3 makes him an invaluable addition to our team. He's also got an uncanny ability to make electrifying plays above the rim, something that will get Ute fans out of their seats. Guys like David have proven to impact our program and community."
Katoa will join the Runnin' Utes next fall after graduating from Layton High School next spring. He spent most of his prep career playing for Utah Prep, formerly known as Real Salt Lake Basketball Academy (RSL Academy). The 6-4 guard is a four-star prospect according to ESPN and is a three-star recruit according to 247Sports, Rivals and On3. The Layton native is expected to return for his senior season this winter at LHS.
He saw action in seven games with Utah Prep before tearing his ACL last season. In that short span, Katoa averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds. As a sophomore, Katoa helped the team post a 20-8 overall record averaging 14.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.0 blocks per MaxPreps. Katoa had a solid freshman season where he averaged 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals with then RSL Academy.
Katoa is the youngest in a family of Division I athletes that starts with both his parents. His father was a tight end (1988-90) at BYU while his mother was a distance runner (1990) for the Cougars. Katoa's second oldest sister Mariah started her volleyball career at BYU (2011) before finishing her career at Weber State (2012-14). His sister Eliza was a member of the Utah volleyball team (2014-16) and beach volleyball squad (2017) while his brother Taylor was member of the USC football team (2017, 2020-22). In addition, his sister Lia competed in the throws events at Weber State (2022-23) for two seasons before transferring to BYU.
For the latest news and information on the Runnin' Utes men's basketball program, fans can stay connected online at www.UtahUtes.com and on social media by following @UtahMBB on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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