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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Jazz draft picks Enes Kanter and Alec Burks were introduced to the media Friday afternoon at the Zions Bank Basketball Center.
The duo joined Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin and general manager Kevin O'Connor at a press conference, along with team president Randy Rigby and owners Gail and Greg Miller.
Both players expressed appreciation for being drafted by the Jazz.
Kanter vowed to work hard and help make the team, which he added is very talented, better.
Burks had similar thoughts.
"I just can't wait to begin this journey," Burks said.
Kanter, a 6-foot-11 center from Turkey, was the third overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft. Burks, a 6-foot-6 guard from Colorado, went 12th. The selections marked the first time in Jazz history that the franchise had two lottery picks in the same draft.
O'Connor welcomed the players to Utah and reminded them they were embarking on a journey with high expectations.
"Where the journey takes you is up to you," O'Connor said.
Kanter, who attended practices and attended classes at Kentucky last season despite being ruled ineligible to play because of a prior professional stint in Turkey, scored 34 points at the 2010 Nike Hoops Summit — breaking Dirk Notwitzki's record of 33.
In 2009, Kanter was the Turkish U-18 National Team's MVP after averaging 18.4 points, 16.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.
Burks averaged 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season as a sophomore at Colorado. In 2009-10, he was named the Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year after shooting 53.8 percent from the field.
"Get ready to work and welcome," Corbin told the newcomers. He noted that both players will have the opportunity to compete for playing time right away.
"The approach is the best guys will play," Corbin said.
Jazz staff accompanied Kanter and Burks to Utah from Newark, N.J., where both players attended the draft. They arrived in Salt Lake City about an hour before the press conference. Later in the day, a tour of EnergySolutions Arena and a VIP reception were planned.
Kanter and Burks are scheduled for a photo shoot on Saturday, along with an appearance at a youth basketball camp.
Kanter will wear jersey No. 0 for the Jazz, while Burks will wear No. 10.
