Salt Lake City – Austrian basketball is poised for another potential foothold in the NBA, as rising star Fynn Schott will continue his development at the University of Utah, following the path blazed by Toronto Raptors center Jakob Pöltl. The 19-year-old Schott, a 6-foot-7 power forward and center, will join the Utah Utes this summer, hoping to replicate Pöltl’s successful transition from Salt Lake City to a prominent NBA career.
Pöltl, a pioneer for Austrian basketball in the NBA, played for the Utes from 2014 to 2016 before being selected ninth overall in the 2016 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. His success has opened doors for future Austrian players, and Schott is eager to follow in those footsteps. “I believe he will find his footing there, both personally and basketball-wise,” Pöltl said of Schott, as reported by laola1.at. Schott has recently showcased his talent as a top scorer for the Austrian national team.
Schott’s journey to Utah has taken him through the Spanish basketball system. Since 2023, he has been developing his skills with CB Gran Canaria, initially with their second team in the third division, and most recently on loan to CB Menorca in the Spanish second division. The call-up to Utah represents a significant step forward in his career. He is also notable as the youngest player ever to appear for the Austrian men’s national team, making his debut on July 3, 2022, at just 16 years, two months, and 20 days old against Cyprus, with nine international appearances to his name.
Pöltl anticipates a cultural adjustment for Schott, noting that the college atmosphere in the United States is quite different from that in Europe. “It expects him a bit of a culture shock,” Pöltl explained. “The college atmosphere is very special, a little different than in Europe. That’s something you have to get used to.” However, Pöltl believes Schott’s talent and playing style will translate well to the American game.
Interestingly, Pöltl himself didn’t initially have a direct path to the NBA in mind when he arrived at Utah in 2014. “I had no NBA plans, but was relatively open-minded,” Pöltl recalled. His primary goal was to balance his athletic pursuits with a college education. “I realistically assumed I would finish college and then continue playing in Europe – it just turned out a little differently.” He spent two seasons with the Utes before declaring for the NBA draft.
Pöltl’s time at Utah was pivotal. He quickly impressed, generating NBA interest after his first year, but opted to return for a second season to further refine his game. That decision paid off, as he was drafted ninth overall in 2016. He acknowledged that his college experience might not be directly applicable to Schott’s situation, saying, “It’s been a long time since I was in college. I don’t recognize how much my wisdom is worth anymore.”
Despite the potential challenges, Pöltl is optimistic about Schott’s future. He expects Schott to face high-quality basketball at the collegiate level and hopes he will continue to develop his skills. Schott, standing at 6-foot-6, is slightly smaller than Pöltl, but still operates primarily around the basket.
The possibility of another Austrian player joining Pöltl in the NBA is a prospect Pöltl welcomes. “Yes, of course, I hope so,” he said when asked if he would like to share his status as the sole Austrian NBA professional. However, he also emphasized the importance of managing expectations. “Everyone has to decide that for themselves. Some set high goals, and that drives them extra, others have to manage their expectations a bit. That’s very individual.”
Schott’s arrival at Utah marks a significant moment for Austrian basketball. The University of Utah, having already served as a launching pad for Pöltl’s career, now welcomes another promising talent from Austria. The Utes will tip off their next season in the fall, and Schott’s development will be closely watched by basketball fans both in Austria and the United States.
The Utah Utes basketball program is a member of the Big 12 Conference, known for its competitive landscape and strong basketball tradition. Fans can follow the team’s progress and Schott’s development through the official Utah Utes athletics website and social media channels. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for the Utes, with Schott adding a new dimension to their roster.
As Schott prepares for this next chapter, the experience of Pöltl serves as a valuable blueprint. The journey from a European basketball league to the demanding world of American college basketball, and potentially the NBA, is a challenging one. But with talent, dedication, and the support of a program like Utah, Fynn Schott has a clear path toward realizing his basketball dreams.
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