Problems solved?

The Utes announced a basketball signing today. That’s not unusual. But what’s interesting is the wording. The news release states the 6-foot-5 Antonio DiMaria, a transfer from Casper Community College is pretty much everything a coach could want in a player.

Heaven knows, the Utes need it.

It says DiMaria was a first-team all-Region IX and a first-team all-conference selection, averaging 17 points and six rebounds. He made 77 three-pointers, last year.

The release points out that “All three of those marks would have led the Utes in 2009-10. DiMaria is also a 3.0 student.”

“Antonio is a terrific signing for our program,” said Ute coach Jim Boylen. “He is a talented, versatile, shooting wing, and addresses our need for another scoring threat. We also liked Antonio’s experience and his solid character on and off the floor, and we think he can bring more leadership to our locker room. We built a strong relationship during the recruiting process and I am very excited that he will be a Ute this fall.”

So let me see if they’ve covered all the bases. He scores, he rebounds, he can make the 3-pointer, he’s a good student and he’s a great person.

The Utes problems are all solved!

I’m not saying DiMara isn’t all those things, but in light of the conflict the Utes have endured lately, it seems to me they are a bit anxious to get out the word that they’ve signed a major catch. It’s almost as though they filled out a checklist.

Is he everything he’s supposed to be? Could be. If so, we should plan on him vastly improving the team as soon as next season starts.