Post by repole on Aug 21, 2005 21:50:44 GMT -5
Webster Arives in Utah
Expectations ride high
UTAH -- The Utah Jazz made a big move in acquiring now former Blazer cornerstone and 6th overall pick Martell Webster. The sharp shooting swingman was dealt to the Jazz in exchange for UBDL standouts Kris Humphries, Ersan Ilyasova and the Jazz' 2007 first round draft selection. Both Humphries and Ilyasova were putting up monster numbers in the UBDL, but Jazz management feels Webster has the higher ceiling. During the press conference announcing Websters arrival, GM Repole had much to say about Websters game.
"He's a better defender than we originaly thought at draft time, though he's still got plenty of room to improve. Offensivly everyone knows the kind of shooter the kid is, he reminds us a lot of a young Allan Houston or Reggie Miller. He's still a bit soft for our liking, but we're expecting to see great improvements in his ability to finish close to the basket. Overall we're very pleased with the level Martell is at during his rookie season, and we're excited to watch him develup into a star in the future."
With Webster in the fold, the Jazz have formed one of the top young nucleus in the league. Playing along side Deron Williams who was picked two spots ahead of him, Webster will join a starting lineup which features 4 players under the age of 24.
Deron Williams has already shown star potential.
"It's exciting," commented Webster "to think of how young this team is and how good we already are. We're first in the West and should only get better with experience. Management has done a great job to build a winning foundation for years to come, now it's time for us to get the job done."
Despite the youthful lineup, expectations for the season remain high. As Martell mentioned, the Jazz currently are first in the Western Conference, and are grateful for each day they manage to hold onto their slim half game lead over the Suns. With just 19 games remaining on the season, each one will be more important than the last for the inexperienced Utah Jazz.
Expectations ride high
UTAH -- The Utah Jazz made a big move in acquiring now former Blazer cornerstone and 6th overall pick Martell Webster. The sharp shooting swingman was dealt to the Jazz in exchange for UBDL standouts Kris Humphries, Ersan Ilyasova and the Jazz' 2007 first round draft selection. Both Humphries and Ilyasova were putting up monster numbers in the UBDL, but Jazz management feels Webster has the higher ceiling. During the press conference announcing Websters arrival, GM Repole had much to say about Websters game.
"He's a better defender than we originaly thought at draft time, though he's still got plenty of room to improve. Offensivly everyone knows the kind of shooter the kid is, he reminds us a lot of a young Allan Houston or Reggie Miller. He's still a bit soft for our liking, but we're expecting to see great improvements in his ability to finish close to the basket. Overall we're very pleased with the level Martell is at during his rookie season, and we're excited to watch him develup into a star in the future."
With Webster in the fold, the Jazz have formed one of the top young nucleus in the league. Playing along side Deron Williams who was picked two spots ahead of him, Webster will join a starting lineup which features 4 players under the age of 24.
Deron Williams has already shown star potential.
"It's exciting," commented Webster "to think of how young this team is and how good we already are. We're first in the West and should only get better with experience. Management has done a great job to build a winning foundation for years to come, now it's time for us to get the job done."
Despite the youthful lineup, expectations for the season remain high. As Martell mentioned, the Jazz currently are first in the Western Conference, and are grateful for each day they manage to hold onto their slim half game lead over the Suns. With just 19 games remaining on the season, each one will be more important than the last for the inexperienced Utah Jazz.
.....i love having young teams that i can keep together forever....
