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SALT LAKE CITY — The Jazz have held their first round of workouts for the upcoming drafts by bringing in six players to compete in drills to start their scouting process.
The Jazz brought in six players, four guards and two big men, to participate in a number of drills and get a first hand look at the players. The biggest name of interest was Myck Kabongo of Texas, the rest are expected to be later drafted picks or undrafted free agents.
The Jazz staff wasn't around to get interviewed, but the players were and here are some thoughts about what they said after their workout.
Most of the players talked about adjusting to the altitude. Colton Iverson, a center from Colorado State, joked about that playing in his favor since he was used to it and showed he was in a little better shape.
The history of the Jazz was brought up and there was a lot of positive talk about their John Stockton and Karl Malone years, but the more recent years seemed a little foggy.
What that guy's done, talking about probably one of the best point guards to play the game, Steve Nash is up there too, my fellow Canadian. What John Stockton has done is probably untouchable.
–Myck Kabongo on John Stockton
"I know a little bit, I know their history of course," said Jamelle Hagins, 6-9 power forward from Delaware. "I know they have a winning program. They have smart players. Obviously I know they got Karl Malone, John Stockton good players like that that come from this organization."
Mike Snaer and Kabongo both talked about wanting to play in Utah, which all players do to try and get drafted, but both talked about Stockton's lingering presence and influence.
Kabongo wore No. 12 in college at Texas and was asked about being willing to change it.
"Can't even make that comparison," Kabongo said. "What that guy's done, talking about probably one of the best point guards to play the game, Steve Nash is up there too, my fellow Canadian. What John Stockton has done is probably untouchable."
Snaer played more off the ball in college, but is working on his game as a point guard and will probably play a little bit of both in the NBA. He said he would love to play in Utah. He said that there if there is one thing he can bring to the team it is character.
"I'll go with character," Snaer said. "Character and competitive spirit."
His competitive spirit drives him. His highlight reel is full of game-winning shots. He is a senior, so he might not have a high ceiling, but he has a bit of Randy Foye in him. He could play both guard positions and, while not quite the shooter Foye is, when he needs to hit a big shot he does.
Kabongo might be the marquee player in this small crop and he knows a little about what is going on in Utah right know.
"They have a lot of great young player, Alec Burks is great and Gordon Hayward," Kabongo said. "They have a great corner stone and two bigs. They have a great core."
He mentioned Enes Kanter by name, of course he didn't know exactly how to pronounce it and then asked how it was supposed to be.
Kabongo is a small player. He is listed at 6-1, but is closer to 5-11 in all reality. He plays with flash and fun and while every other player was being interviewed he kept playing and having fun with some of the trainers.
Iverson is a 7-footer who talked about being a blue-collar worker. He understood that he wouldn't be considered a franchise player, but would do whatever it took to win.
All of the players seemed to be "Jazz guys" and by that they were all well spoken and were hard workers. Character and attitude exuded from their interviews as what they were known for.
The Chicago NBA Combine happens next week and then the Jazz will probably start up another round of workouts, but no official word on who or when has been released.
