SALT LAKE CITY – Utah head men’s basketball coach Craig Smith announced the addition of Loren “Lo” Leath to his coaching staff on Thursday.
“We are thrilled to announce that Loren Leath will be joining the Runnin’ Utes basketball family,” Smith said. “Coach ‘Lo’ has deep connections in California and throughout the country. He is not only connected, but he is a connector as well. Ute fans will love his passion and charisma for people and the game of basketball. His experiences as a hall of a famer player, collegiate coaching background and his first-hand knowledge at the grassroots level will help us navigate the ever-changing landscape. We are excited to welcome coach Lo and his wonderful family!”
Leath comes to Salt Lake City after spending the last two seasons (2022-24) at his alma mater, Sacramento State. In his first season with the Hornets, they accumulated the most wins by any first-year coaching staff in the program’s Division I era and third all-time for the program with 14. They also earned a top-six seed in the conference tournament for just the second time in 16 seasons and received a first-round bye for the first time ever since joining the Big Sky Conference in 1996.
That 2022-23 squad led the Big Sky in rebounding margin (+6.0) and offensive rebounds with 10.9 offensive boards per game. Sacramento State was also third in scoring defense in the conference that season, allowing opponents just 67.8 points per game. It’s +6.0 in scoring margin was tied with three other teams for the 15th-best in the country.
“I would like to thank Mr. Harlan, Coach Smith and the rest of the Utah staff,” said Leath. “My family and I are thrilled for this wonderful opportunity. Salt Lake is a great city and the University of Utah is a great place. I’m pumped to be a part of this program and am ready to hit the ground running! GO UTES!!”
As a student-athlete, Leath wrapped up his career (2005-09) fifth all-time in scoring (1,489) and third in the Division I era (1991-pres.) at Sacramento State. He is still the only Hornet to average double-digits points all four seasons of his career since they made the transition to Division I. The two-time All-Big Sky Conference honorable mention selection was also named to the school’s all-decade team (2000-10) before officially being inducted into the…
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