Smith Signs Rice Transfer Keanu Dawes for Next Season
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah head men's basketball coach Craig Smith announced the signing of Rice transfer Keanu Dawes for the upcoming 2024-25 season Thursday afternoon.
"We're thrilled to have Keanu join our Runnin' Utes family," Smith said. "His versatility at 6-9 on both sides of the ball will be a huge asset for us as we make our transition to the Big 12. Keanu also brings an array of skillsets on the offensive end, as evident by his unanimous selection to the AAC All-Freshman Team this past season. He grew up watching the Runnin' Utes and will now get to play in front of the Ute faithful inside the Huntsman Center. We look forward to him wearing the Utah jersey he so passionately cheered for."
Dawes, who was named to the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team, averaged 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds for the Owls while playing in all 32 games – including 23 starts. He also shot .410 from the field his first collegiate season to go with 29 assists, 14 blocks and 26 steals. The Houston native led all true freshmen in AAC play averaging 6.7 points and 3.6 rebounds to go with the second-best shooting percentage (.452).
He made his collegiate debut in the season-opener starting for Rice and scored 6 points with 5 rebounds to go with a steal and block. He recorded his first double-digit point game against Houston Christian at home, posting 14 points with 8 rebounds on 5-of-7 shooting. A couple weeks later, Dawes recorded a season-high 18 points to go with 7 boards behind a 4-for-7 effort beyond the arc against Louisiana. He then opened AAC play with 12 points versus Tulane and would reach double-figures five more times in league play.
Dawes had a decorated prep career, earning District 17 6A Offensive Player of the Year honors and selected to the TABC All-State Team his senior season at Stratford High School. He was also a two-time TABC All-Region recipient and two-time finalist for the Guy V. Lewis Award – which is awarded to the top boy's basketball player in the greater Houston area. The 6-9 forward was a four-star recruit out of high school according to ESPN and Rivals and was a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports and On3.
No stranger to Salt Lake City, Dawes grew up going to Runnin' Ute basketball games as a child with his grandparents – who were longtime season tickets – before moving to Houston with his mother.
The Runnin' Utes will play in their inaugural season as members of the Big 12 starting in 2024-25. For season ticket information or purchase season tickets, visit www.utahtickets.com/basketball or call/text 801-581-8849.
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.
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