Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz play their first home game of a new season this week with a mostly new team and a new head coach.
KSL-TV's Deanie Wimmer sat down with coach Will Hardy to find out that he's not exactly new, and Wednesday, he'll have an experienced ally — Jazz fans.
Deanie Wimmer: "What do you think of your new office?"
Will Hardy: "Not bad, not bad."
Coach Hardy goes by Will.
It better reflects his many roles as team leader, husband and father of a young family.
Deanie Wimmer: "You've had a few scrimmages, few pre-season games, how are things going so far?"
Will Hardy: "It's been good. We obviously have a whole new group, not just a new coaching staff, we have a lot of new players. So it's been mostly about everybody getting to know each other."
Deanie Wimmer: "You have 82 games in the year. You travel a lot. How do you manage that with a young family?"
Will Hardy: "I'm lucky. I have an amazing partner in my wife. ... I do the best I can when we're in town, and when I'm home, to be as present as possible and to really help with our two little girls," he added.
So, forgive him if he hasn't experienced much of Utah yet. He's lucky to get in an occasional golf game with team leadership and players.
Deanie Wimmer: "A lot of people may not realize that you've come full circle. You worked here in college as an intern, same organization. Now, you're 'the man.'"
Will Hardy: "I don't know about being 'the man.'"
"I was lucky between my junior and senior year of college to get an internship on the business side with the Jazz. Lived out here eight weeks, spent a lot of time working, not only in the Jazz offices at the arena, but did a lot of work for the Salt Lake Bees in the afternoons," Hardy added.
Deanie Wimmer: "They call you a relationship guy."
Will Hardy: "I like people. I always have. I'm not much of a lone wolf."
Deanie Wimmer: "Do you take that into your coaching and administrative efforts?"
Will Hardy: "Oh yeah, this is a people business. You're not just coaching people, and everybody has something different that makes them tick."
Deanie Wimmer: "I know it won't break your heart; I learned you're no longer the youngest head coach in the NBA.
Will Hardy: "Thanks to my friend, Joe."
Joe Mazulla, the new Boston Celtics coach, who is also 34, has Hardy beat by six months.
Deanie Wimmer: "Considering your team, your age may be a real asset."
Will Hardy: "Some things that we do as a team may look and feel a little different because I have to be authentic to who I am."
"We have young players and I need to try to find any way I can to relate to them," he said.
Deanie Wimmer: "For you, what will be a success this year?"
Will Hardy: "I don't think I'm ever going to put expectations on a team that hasn't played a game yet. I think right now, we're really just focused on improving each and every day as a group and getting to know each other."
His team may be an unknown, but he's already counting on his home crowd.
Will Hardy: "I've been a part of a lot of games in the arena here on the opposing side. The fan base is deafening here. I'm looking forward to being on their side."
Deanie Wimmer: "We're looking forward to having you."
Will Hardy: "Thanks, appreciate it."
Fans will not disappoint!
The Jazz face off against the Denver Nuggets at home — at Vivint Arena — Wednesday at 7 p.m.
