Utah
Utah expects two key players will return in 2025
During Monday’s press conference, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham shared significant news about two key players, linebacker Levani Damuni and cornerback Kenan Johnson. Both have expressed their intention to return next season, a development that brings excitement and promise to the program.
Damuni had a standout 2023 campaign before a season-ending injury in April 2024. Known for his dominance, Damuni played in all 13 games last year, starting seven of them. He led the Utes with 87 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. His consistency was remarkable, registering double-digit tackles in five of his last six games. Damuni also tied for the team lead with 9.5 third-down stops, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical moments. Notably, he recorded a season-best 12 tackles in two games, including a top-five matchup against Washington and the Las Vegas Bowl against Northwestern.
Kyle Whittingham provides an update about his future at Utah
Johnson, another key contributor, started at cornerback in Utah’s 2024 season opener against Southern Utah. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to injury, but his experience brings immense value. Before transferring to Utah, Johnson played 45 games with 11 starts at Georgia Tech from 2019-2023. In his final season at Georgia Tech, he started eight games, recording 29 tackles, two forced fumbles, four passes defended, and an interception. His defensive skills and experience will add depth and leadership to Utah’s secondary in 2025.
As Utah prepares to conclude its regular season against UCF on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, the announcement of Damuni and Johnson’s returns provides a glimpse into a promising future for the Utes, setting the stage for continued success.
Utah
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Summer League recap and final score
The Utah Jazz won their final summer league game against the Portland Trail Blazers 83-79. It was a fun game that came down to the wire, with a few Jazz players showing promise that could help the team.
The player who surprisingly didn’t help as much as you’d hope was Blake Hinson, who shot just 1/9 from three. Hinson was a sharpshooter for the Jazz last season, and it’s too bad that he couldn’t show that shooting stroke in the summer league. It’s likely not a big deal, but it would have been nice to see that shooting continue in the summer league. It does make you wonder why all the players who played for Utah last season, or will be getting regular minutes next year, didn’t shoot well in Las Vegas. Is that a trend? Or is it just a coincidence? It makes you wonder if the Jazz have been running hard practices, or if the players are tired from enjoying their time in Las Vegas? There’s no way to really know, but it’s interesting.
Utah’s strongest performer, in terms of plus-minus, was Bez Mbeng. He was a team-leading +14 and, even though he didn’t shoot the ball well either, his defense and intensity really shows on the floor. In this one, Mbeng had 4 steals and handled the ball for a lot of the game. He was also one of the top players in minutes with 20 in this one. I personally really like Mbeng and I’m rooting for him to make the team. I do think he can be a defensive-focused do-it-all player who could really contribute if he keeps improving.
Justin Harmon scored the ball well, leading the team in scoring with a team-leading 21 points. He had 6 free throws in this one and was a positive contributor overall. Harmon could be a nice addition to the training camp roster and, if he can show out, maybe he can earn himself a roster spot. He’s worth watching going forward at the very least.
And with that, the summer league is now over, and we now enter a long summer that will lead into one of the most exciting eras of Jazz basketball I can remember. It will be led by the best prospect in Jazz history to actually suit up for the Utah Jazz, and I can’t wait to see him develop into a superstar wearing the purple and blue.
Utah
Here’s who will lead Utah Valley University as its next president
Jon Anderson will be charged with moving the Orem school forward following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on campus last year.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Incoming UVU President Jon Anderson poses for a photo with his family after an event announcing his selection at Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Utah
Beaver County residents set up thousands of sandbags ahead of flashfloods
BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — A massive community effort is underway as volunteers and Beaver County crews distribute thousands of sandbags to protect homes from the potential path of floodwaters.
After the Cottonwood Fires, residents have been waiting for weeks for relief to come in the form of rain, though officials now warn it may come all at once with an increased risk of flooding and debris flow.
Emergency Service Director Les Whitney believes that the fire has left plenty of debris to bring trouble for residents.
“We got a lot of water. We’re bringing debris with it, so tree branches, tree limbs, logs, lots of different size firewood, and that’s all in the creeks. We’re worried about that plugging up our bridges and stuff, so we have heavy equipment and excavators located in strategic places so that we can keep those bridges open,” said Whitney.
An estimated 140 homes and condominiums were spared from the flames, but remain in the paths of floodwaters.
Residents can also pick up sandbags at the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office or at the Beaver County Rodeo Fairgrounds.
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