SALT LAKE CITY-Per numerous reports, University of Utah men’s basketball assistant coach Tramel Barnes announced he is returning to South Dakota State, where he had been part of the staff before coming to the Runnin’ Utes in 2021.

Barnes, a former star at NCAA Division II schools Southwest Minnesota State and Northern State (S.D.), began his post-playing career as a graduate assistant at Southwest Minnesota State in 2013-14.

From there, Barnes stayed with the Mustangs as he was promoted to assistant coach from 2014-2018.

Barnes then came to Utah State, serving under Runnin’ Utes head coach Craig Smith for the first time as the Aggies’ director of operations and player development in the 2018-19 season.

He then spent his first stint with the Jackrabbits, serving as an assistant from 2019-2021.

Barnes then rejoined Smith at Utah, serving as the Runnin’ Utes director of player personnel from 2021-2023 after which he had been promoted to assistant coach this past season.