Interview with Al Jefferson

[Yung D-Will]

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Sports) - New Utah Jazz big man Al Jefferson sat down with ABC 4's Dana Greene for a 1-on-1 interview to talk about his new NBA home.

What was his reaction when he first heard he was being traded to Utah?

"I was just in shock," said Jefferson. "I thought it was an April fool, but it was July so I guess I didn't think anybody was playing a joke on me."

After playing on three horrible seasons in Minnesota, and making the NBA playoffs just one time in his six-year career, Jefferson thinks his career has been reborn with the Jazz.

"Yes, I think so," said Jefferson. "This is my chance. The only one who could mess this up is me, and I'm not going to let that happen."

Jefferson, who averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds in his three seasons with the Timberwolves, thinks playing with Deron Williams will make even better.

"He's going to make me an all-star," said Jefferson. "I really believe that. I will be in the all-star game within the next two years."

So what kind of player does Jefferson describe himself as?

"I'm a low post presence. I put a lot of pressure on the defensive guy on the block. Some people say I got some crazy post moves, but I can't really explain it. I'm just a guy that if you get the ball to on the block, there's a great chance that I'm going to score. I'm a great rebounder, so along with Millsap and Okur, we can make a lot happen."

http://www.abc4.com/sports/story/1-on-1-interview-with-Al-Jefferson/UrZUUzwwlUuTiPin69rdyQ.cspx

[Yung D-Will]

Best part of the interview

"I guarantee that my knee is not going to be a problem. It's 96 percent. It feels real good, and I feel like the guy I was two years ago before I got hurt."

So with Carlos Boozer gone, does Jefferson feel the pressure to be the guy who takes the Jazz to the next level?

"I really don't feel the pressure," said Jefferson. "Because I'm going to do whatever it takes. Whatever coach wants me to do, I'm going to do it. And I feel like if I do all the right things and work hard, everything is going to work out. I always believe the cream rises to the top, and if you take care of the game, the game will take care of you.

[Purch]

One thing about the kid you can see is it's clear he's all about winning. He's been on a losing franchise his whole career and seems like he's ready to completely embrace the opportunity the Jazz franchise can give him. Working under one of the greatest coaches ever in the Nba and one of the best point guards in the league is really gonna do wonders for his game and his confidence. It sounds like he's willing to put in the work and if you're willing to put in the work Sloan will work with you until you get it right. I think we're about to witness something special. I'd don't know currently where the whole practicing with Hakeem this summer situation is at this moment, but that will do wonders for an already polished post game to learn from the man with the greatest post game in history if it were to happen. And I'd also be very excited if Malone teaches Jefferson things about the same similar to what Stockton did to D-Will. Having these great players who have stayed connected with Utah for so long can really do wonders once in comes to helping out young talented players.

[StocktonShorts]

And I'd also be very excited if Malone teaches Jefferson things about the same similar to what Stockton did to D-Will.

Things Karl Malone knew that can be taught:

- How not to help your opponent up off the ground
- How to "unintentionally" elbow opposing players
- How to avoid child support for your illegitimate children
- How to flail your arms up in the air to draw a foul
- How to clamp a guy's arm so it looks like he's holding you

Things Karl had that can't be taught:

- Determination
- Toughness
- Work ethic
- Strength
- An enormous chip on his shoulder


Karl was a helluva player and I liked him a lot. I idolized John and Karl for the first 20 years of my basketball-watching life... but a lot of what made him great just can't be taught.