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SALT LAKE CITY -- You could call Enes Kanter an international man of mystery. The 6 foot 11 inch center from Istanbul, Turkey was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. Very few people have seen him play, but most who have, rave about his talent. He is a very skilled big man, an excellent rebounder and a tough, physical player who doesn't shy away from contact.
After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Kanter could have left Kentucky and continued preparing for the NBA draft in his native Turkey. Instead, he chose to stay and continue his education. Now, after not being able to speak any English two years ago, Kanter is engaging and downright funny in a second language. If you add intelligence to the qualities listed above, the Jazz may have something special in Enes Kanter.
Then there is his love for pro wrestling that I had to ask him about as well.
Here is my conversation with the "UnderKanter."
JJ: Talk about the emotions of draft night, hearing your name called, knowing that you're an NBA player?
Enes: I was really excited because the Utah Jazz picked me. I really appreciate them because I knew the Utah Jazz was the right team for me. I know the coach, I know the GM and everything. I was really excited when I heard my name -- I couldn't speak, I couldn't do anything -- because I was really excited. I just put the hat on and then I just shake David Sterns hand. I was like, this is it.
JJ: For fans here in Utah who haven't seen you play, what are your skills?
Enes: First of all, I love to play tough. Rebounds is the most important thing and defense. Offensively, I would say low post game, back to the basket. But right now, I'm working on my shot and face-up game. I hate to lose, you know, I don't want to accept losing. I want to bring more energy and more toughness. I believe this is a great team. They have great talent and coach is amazing. All the guys are really nice, and I believe if we work more harder next season we can make playoffs.
JJ: How difficult was it to sit out a year at the University of Kentucky? How difficult was that siutation?
Enes: It was really hard because I came to the United States to play NCAA. When they made me permanently ineligible, it was frustrating. I talked to Coach Cal (John Calipari) and he just told me one thing. He said: "You are still part of our family, kid. If you want to stay, you can stay; but if you want to leave, you can leave. It's in your hand." I said, "Coach, I couldn't play for you but I still want to help you." So I just stayed there and they made me student assistant coach. There is three reasons why I'm wearing zero here. Because I couldn't play in college and Kentucky fans supported me a lot; they will always be in my heart. Second reason: it's a new beginning. Right now I believe the Utah Jazz will be a new beginning for me. The third reason is, I thought I could be one and done, but didn't happen. So I become a zero and done. That's why.
JJ: Are you highly motivated now because of what happened now that you get a chance to play in the NBA?
Enes: I was so happy when my name was called in the draft because the one thing that was in my mind was, no matter what, I will finally get to play basketball. My last game was, like, last April. I am so happy that I am on the right team with the right people, and I believe I will be good.
JJ: Talk about the WWE. When did you get into this?
Enes: I start watching WWE when I was like 14 or 15 years old. I just become a fan. I just liked it, and when I came to America, I just start liking it more and following it more. I watched a couple wrestling games. I went to Smackdown and I went to Monday Night Raw. My favorite wrestler is the Undertaker. When I was at Kentucky, the fans start calling me Underkanter. My nickname right now is Underkanter.
JJ: Do you want to wrestle when your basketball career is over? Do you have plans to be in WWE? Or will you just have that style in the NBA?
Enes: I dont' know, I will think about it. Right now, it's dangerous. It's fake, I know that it's fake, but it's still dangerous. I will focus on my basketball first, but when I'm done playing basketball, I'll think about it.
JJ: I think Jazz fans are grateful you'll wait a while and just focus on basketball.
Enes: Yeah, probably.
Email: jjensen@ksl.comTwitter: @JJSportsBeat
