ST. GEORGE, Utah – Utah Tech head men's basketball coach
Jon Judkins announced the signing of
Larry Olayinka on Wednesday, with the 6-9 forward set to join the program ahead of the 2023-24 season.
"We are thrilled to have Larry joining our program. He has really started to come along with his development and his game has continued to grow rapidly in a short amount of time," Judkins said. "Larry has the ability to impact a game on both sides of the court with his length and ability to move, and he's a great young man. Our fans are going to love him."
Olayinka has one season of college basketball under his belt, having played the 2022-23 season at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan.
In his lone year as a Broncbuster, Olayinka started 13 of his 26 total appearances, averaging 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 67.2% from the field across 18.8 minutes of action. He poured in a season-high 20 points against Pratt Community College on Jan. 4, shooting 7-10 from the field while adding 10 rebounds and two assists.
He blocked a season-high five shots in a 72-60 victory over Cloud County Community College on Feb. 22, also adding nine points, six rebounds and one steal, and finished the year with six multi-block games while scoring in double figures nine times.
As a senior at Birmingham Community Charter High School, Olayinka averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds per game on his way to an Open Division All-City selection and was named an All-West Valley co-MVP for his performances.
Olayinka joins former high school and Garden City teammate
David Elliott (Los Angeles, Calif./Garden City CC) along with prep guards
Angelo Kambala (Las Vegas, Nev./Liberty HS) and
Aric Demings (Desoto, Texas/Davenport HS), prep swingman
Tennessee Rainwater (Davenport, Wash./Davenport HS) and transfers
Beon Riley (Chula Vista, Calif./Hawaii),
Jaylen Searles (Everett, Wash./Southeastern CC – Iowa) and
Sammy Howlin (La Habra, Calif./Fullerton College) as members of the Trailblazers' signing class.
Why he chose Utah Tech: "I feel like it was the best opportunity for me to become the best player I can be."
