11/11/2026 2:45 PM | Men's Basketball
The Utah men’s basketball team announced the signing of Jamaal McKnight Jr. and Pierce Thompson during the early signing period.
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah head men's basketball coach Alex Jensen announced the addition of Jamaal McKnight Jr. and Pierce Thompson to the Runnin' Utes program on Wednesday during the early signing period.
Â
"We're excited to welcome Jamaal and Pierce to our program," said Jensen. "Both young men possess the qualities we value as a staff, but above all, they share a genuine love for the game and are excited to play for the University of Utah."
JAMAAL MCKNIGHT JR.
FR – Guard – 6-0 – 195
District Heights, Md. – Iowa United Prep
PIERCE THOMPSON
FR – Guard – 6-4 – 190
Los Angeles, CA – Harvard Westlake
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. Fans can also stay connected on their mobile devices or tablets with the Utah 360 app.
Â
Â
"We're excited to welcome Jamaal and Pierce to our program," said Jensen. "Both young men possess the qualities we value as a staff, but above all, they share a genuine love for the game and are excited to play for the University of Utah."
JAMAAL MCKNIGHT JR.
FR – Guard – 6-0 – 195
District Heights, Md. – Iowa United Prep
- 4-Star recruit according to ESPN and 247Sports
- Ranked No. 95 on the SCNext 100 List
- Averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 20 games for Team Durant during the 2026 EYBL Season
- Guided DeMatha High School to a 23-7 overall record as a sophomore
PIERCE THOMPSON
FR – Guard – 6-4 – 190
Los Angeles, CA – Harvard Westlake
- 2026 U18 EuroBasket Honorable Mention after leading Austria with 14.4 points per game to go with 2.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals average
- Led Harvard Westlake to the 2026 CIF Southern Section Open Division title game
- Named 2026 All-CIF Open Division team his junior year
- Guided Harvard Westlake to a 2025 Mission League Championships his sophomore year
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. Fans can also stay connected on their mobile devices or tablets with the Utah 360 app.
Â
###
No videos available.
