The Utah Warriors have confirmed the acquisition of Mika Kruse from the LA Giltinis. Signed by the expansion side after the dispersal of the withdrawn Colorado Raptors roster, the 22-year-old USA Selects representative will be hoping for more opportunities in Utah with his preferred outside center spot occupied by Australia international Adam Ashley-Cooper at LA.
Kruse had been a staple in the Raptors lineup since his breakthrough season in 2018. His creativity in attack marked him as an Eagles prospect. The presence of Rene Ranger at Colorado, however, saw him spend much of his time during the 2020 campaign on the wing.
Utah welcomes Kruse following confirmation that Samoa international Rodney Iona will not be joining the team this season. The incumbent starters in the midfield are once-capped USA international Calvin Whiting and South Africa u20 select Tyler Fisher. Other options include returnees Dom Toluono and Jared Whippy, and new caps Logan Tago and Sione Tau’ataina.