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The Utah Jazz officially started the season this morning when they arrived in Boise for training camp. Eighteen players are on the roster. Almost all of them return from last season.
It was great walking around camp this morning. There was no need for a media guide. Every starter from last year is back and the team is anxious to get started.
After arriving at the arena around 9 this morning Jerry Sloan held a 35 minute team meeting to go over team rules and give a little pep talk.
"We have these rules and he told us how special we are, have a chance to win, if we put our best foot forward. Then see where we end up," said Carlos Boozer.
Last year the team ended up in the 2nd round of the playoffs before losing to the Lakers. This season the players say the best thing is everyone knows what to expect.
"Not much teaching needs to be done. It's a matter of tightening things up defensively," said Deron Williams. "And the offense has been the same in 19 years."
Ronnie Brewer added, "Everybody has a sense for the system that coach Sloan has set for us. everybody doesn't have to re-learn it. Kosta [Koufas] is the only rookie. We're just build on team chemistry and getting better. We don't have to learn new system."
"I'm excited. I've never been on a team where there's been so many players back and the same coach back. I've only played one year where I had the same oach I had the year before and this is my sixth year. So, to have that back, have the players back the caliber of players that we have, it's a very exciting time," said Kyle Korver.
The Jazz have another practice this evening.
E-mail: kaiken@ksl.com
