Estimated read time: 4-5 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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 -- I had a chance to meet Alec Burks less than 24 hours after the Utah Jazz made him the 12th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
My first impression of the 19 year old out of the University of Colorado was that he is a laid-back, soft-spoken and humble young man. The way he plays basketball is quite the opposite. His game is bold, flashy and aggressive as he blows by defenders and attacks the rim with reckless abandonment. I also discovered an intense competitor with a chip on his shoulder, driven to prove his doubters wrong.
Here is my interview with the newest Jazzman Alec Burks:
Jeremiah: What went through your mind when David Stern called your name and says "The Utah Jazz select Alec Burks?"
Alec: It was surreal. It was crazy that the commissioner just said my name and I get to walk up stage and shake his hand. It's just a great feeling.
JJ: Kids dream of that moment. That became reality for you. When did you fall in love with basketball and realize this is a dream that could possibly come true?
Alec: I'd say about 6th grade I fell in love with it. As a young kid, I played all sports -- just running around. I really realized I could make the dream come true last summer, playing against the top competition in the country (at the Adidas Nations Experience in Chicago).
JJ: You weren't highly recruited out of high school. How did you feel about that? Did it motivate you?
Alec: It just motivated me. It made the chip on my shoulder even bigger. It ate at me everyday -- you know -- until I got to the point where I am today.
JJ: So when someone tells you that you can't do something, you don't take that very well?
Alec: I don't believe in can't -- you know. That's what I feel got me to being called by David Stern and the Utah Jazz with the 12th pick.
JJ: Talk about growing up in the Kansas City area. What was your childhood like?
Alec: It was great. I felt it was the best way to grow up for me. I'm kind of a little biased being from there. I had a great family, great friends and a lot of people that looked after me and took care of me. It just made me into the man I am today.
JJ: Who had the greatest influence on your life to help you get where you are today?
Alec: I feel like my mother -- you know -- she sacrificed anything she had for me and my older brother. I love her to death for that.
JJ: I've watched your highlight reel. Very impressive. For Jazz fans who haven't seen you play, what do you bring to the table?
Alec: I feel like I bring a lot of excitement and versatility. I can play the one or the two. Scoring, passing, ball handling ability -- you know -- all of that.
JJ: If someone is going to pick you apart -- you've heard the criticism about your shooting -- how much does that drive you to improve upon that and get better?
Alec: It's been driving me ever since I declared for the draft. That was the main thing that people worry about me. Now that I got picked by the Utah Jazz, I've got Coach Jeff (Hornaceck) out there -- one of the all-time best at it. So I feel that I can improve my shot greatly with him.
JJ: How good can you be?
Alec: The sky is the limit -- you know -- if I mix my talent right, I feel like it's gonna be crazy when I'm in my prime.
JJ: Who would you compare your game to?
Alec: I like the comparison of Brandon Roy. He's an athletic scorer and facilitator. He can do it all. I like that.
JJ: It's tough for rookies to break into this league and have an impact. What is your realistic expectation as you head into the next season, whenever that might be?
Alec: I just want to compete hard and be able to compete right away. As a young team -- Coach Ty said it in the press conference -- everybody will be able to play because it's such a youthful team. I just want to contribute right away.
JJ: How excited are you to be a part of this organization and be a part of this community?
Alec: I'm very excited. We've got the best fans in the NBA and a great organization. I just can't wait to start my journey with them.
JJ: What have people told you about the fans here?
Alec: Some of the fans is crazy. I got a Twitter and they been hitting me up since I got drafted -- before I got drafted two weeks ago -- so it's been crazy. They're very passionate about the Utah Jazz.
Email: jjensen@ksl.comTwitter: @JJSportsBeat
