Lawson Lovering is one of the biggest x-factors on this year’s Runnin’ Utes squad, shining as a force in the paint. The senior center is looking to craft his best season yet with a deep-seated rivalry game next up on the schedule.
Lovering was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming where his earliest memory of playing sports was at 3 years old playing basketball at the local YMCA. Lovering began playing AAU basketball at the same age before becoming a multi-sport athlete through his youth until reaching high school. Once Lovering entered high school, his efforts focused on basketball.
“When you’re about a foot taller than everybody growing up, and you come out the womb super long, super tall while having really tall parents who love the game of basketball, it’s almost like you’re destined to play,” Lovering said.
In high school, Lovering was named a three-time 4A All-State player and spent three seasons with the Utah Prospects out of Salt Lake City. His time with the Prospects created strong relationships with some of his fellow Runnin’ Utes today.
“It’s pretty funny. I knew Jake [Wahlin] pretty well. I spent the night at his house almost every weekend during the summertime. Zach Keller as well, we always had scrimmages against him with him being on the younger team. Actually getting to know him on a deeper level and playing with him is awesome…It’s cool to have all these Utah Prospects guys on one team.”
In his senior season, Lovering averaged a double-double and led the Indians to the Wyoming Class 4A State Championship. When the offers started rolling in, Lovering had accumulated an impressive list of accolades. The Wyomingite was a consensus four-star prospect coming in at 59th in Rivals’ national rankings and as the ninth-best center in the country while being listed as Wyoming’s top player by 247Sports.
To begin his collegiate career, Lovering committed to Colorado to play for the Buffaloes. After two seasons, starting all 34 games in his sophomore season, Lovering hit the portal and committed across the Rocky Mountains to play for the Runnin’ Utes.
“Coach Smith helped me get here because he had recruited me a lot, and he had known me since I was probably a freshman in high school. So, he’s known about my game for a long time, and he obviously he believed in me because he’s seen me grow and progress throughout the…
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