Utah Jazz Guard Keyonte George Experiences ‘Small Lake City’

Sep 30, 2024, 5:41 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz guard Keyonte George can consider himself a true Utahn after experiencing “Small Lake City” firsthand.

For those unfamiliar, “Small Lake City” is a phenomenon in Salt Lake City where despite a population of over 200,000, the high frequency of mutual acquaintances makes Utah’s capital feel more like a small town.

Keyonte George Experiences Small Lake City

George’s closest in-state connection is with University of Utah football player Caleb Lohner, who the Jazz guard first met long before he was playing tight end for the Utes.

Both Texas natives, Lohner and George first faced off on the hardwood in high school.

“He went to Flower Mound High School, so I played him, I went to Lewisville,” George said. “So we played him twice, and then he ended up coming out here to Wasatch [Academy], and then did BYU, then ended up coming back to Baylor and we were roommates together.”

George and Lohner played together for one season at Baylor before the guard declared for the NBA Draft.

Lohner stayed one more season at Baylor before making the switch to football.

“He was kind of hinting at me that he was going to play football, and I was just like, ‘Bro, no you’re not.’”

Lohner has been surprisingly productive in his short time at Utah scoring three touchdowns in five games for the Utes.

Related: Caleb Lohner Scores Third Touchdown Of The Season

“I was able to have him over to the house not too long ago when they played Baylor, and we was able to connect and talk about what it’s like, and he was telling me the differences,” George said. “I think he has a good chance to be playing on Sundays.”

CJ Miles Is George’s Godfather

George’s connections to the state go back even further than Lohner, however.

The second-year guard revealed that his godfather is former Jazz wing CJ Miles who was drafted by the team in 2006.

“He went to high school with my dad, Skyline High School [in Dallas], and obviously got drafted out of high school and came here,” George said.

Miles was selected by the Jazz with the 34th pick of the 2006 NBA Draft and spent seven seasons of his 16-year career in Utah.

“It’s definitely a full circle moment being here and being in Utah and knowing that a family member has went through this organization” George added.

Miles averaged 8.4 points and 2.2 rebounds for the Jazz in 389 appearances. George earned All-Rookie honors after averaging 13.0 points and 4.4 assists in his first season in Utah.

Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah State Roughs Up Rams In Blowout Win

LOGAN, Utah - The three ball was falling in spades for Utah State, as the Aggies built a big early lead before holding on for the 93-85 win.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Who Could Replace Tom Holmoe As BYU’s Athletic Director?

Looking at the potential candidates to replace Tom Holmoe as BYU's next athletic director.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Takeaways From Utah Falling Apart In Final Minutes Of 85-75 Loss To Cincinnati

Craig Smith and Utah had it tied up with four minutes to go but fell apart in the final minutes to end with an 85-75 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats.

6 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

PK: Tom Holmoe Leaves Firm Foundation At BYU Athletics

With the heavy lifting over for BYU – at least for now, anyway – Tom Holmoe can leave knowing his strong leadership has given the athletic department a solid foundation going forward.

6 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

BYU Basketball Earns Critical Road Win At West Virginia

BYU gets a road trip split by taking down the Mountaineers in Morgantown.

6 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Unravels At The End, Lose To Cincinnati, 85-75

Utah falls to the Bearcats 85-75 after a complete collapse over the final minutes.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Utah Jazz Guard Keyonte George Experiences ‘Small Lake City’