December 27, 2011

Jazz-Lakers - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2011



TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2011
10:30 PM ET - Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA

                         
10:30 PM ET


Video: Inside Look at Practice
Get a behind the scenes look at Coach Ty Corbin and his staff teaching a zone defense set at Jazz practice.

November 10, 2011

Kanter shows flashes before injury

TAYLORSVILLE -- There were three players for the "Stars" team that Jazz fans are really interested in. One played sparingly, one was a highlight reel and the other was a cold version of himself.

Enes Kanter only played for about six minutes in the Pro Player Charity Classic, but he made an impact. He wasn't perfect, but he made an impact down low and a bigger show may have been what happened after he left. When Kanter, who played on the "Stars" team, was in game the "Jazz" squad scored only eight points in the first half of the first quarter. They ended the quarter with 26.

If that's the type of defensive presence he can provide, the Jazz look to have the dominant inside presence that they've lacked over the past few years.

Kanter took a Derrick Favors elbow to the chin, requiring stitches, and ending his night early.

While he was in, he bodied Al Jefferson down low and was in the right position on every defensive play. He made a few low-post moves and got to the line where he converted his free throws.

By the looks of things he isn't going to be real flashy, which fits the Jazz style; he might even get lost a couple times in the season, typical for a rookie, but at the end of the night his stat sheet will be full and he will be productive for a long time.

Another bright "Star" team was second year Jazz player Jeremy Evans.

He is just entertaining.

He jumped out of the gym and sparkled with a handful of "perfect 10" dunks. Evans can rebound as every Jazz fan knows, if he can get a few more pounds on his frame and defend a little better he could be a great support for the team. He is a fan favorite and could be a good player for years to come if he can tweak a few small things.

Jazz fans will get their money worth with a dunk contest between Evans and rookie Alec Burks. There was a lot of excitement for the two young Jazz players that were forced to the other side.

The two other players that had a bit of local flair were Jimmer Fredette and for Jazzman Wesley Matthews.

Jimmer performed well in the game despite an off night and proved he will and can get to the rim and was open for his shots. Even when he was guarded by the longer and more athletic Alec Burks he was able to get to the hoop and get the ball up around the "bigs."

The big knock on Jimmer was his defense, but in a game with no defense he held his ground as well as anyone did. He didn't defend the great players in the league, but he stayed with a slippery Ronnie Price and didn't get outmuscled by Burks or Devin Harris.

Matthews was solid. He was what every Jazz fan remembers him as quick, smart and just a basketball player. He passed the ball nearly perfectly, including a beautiful alley-oop to Evans. He played enough defense in this pseudo all-star game. He made a couple of big plays, but he supported his teammates and didn't try to do too much. He was exactly what Jazz fans missed when he played.

The future is bright for young Jazz players and former locals that will go on to shine elsewhere.

Email: onlinesports@ksl.com

Kanter shows flashes before injury

By Jarom Moore, ksl.com Contributor
November 7th, 2011 @ 10:47pm
www.ksl.com

October 16, 2011

Big Blue exhibition game: Enes Kanter will get to play at Rupp after all


LEXINGTON, KY. — Most of the details of the Big Blue All-Stars vs. The Villains exhibition basketball game on Oct. 24 at Rupp Arena were already out by the time organizer Jeff Sheppard held his official press conference Thursday afternoon to announce the event. But Sheppard, a former University of Kentucky player, had one big surprise up his sleeve.

“I have a very special announcement that just developed,” Sheppard said. “We have an addition to the Big Blue All-Stars. I’m so excited to announce that he’s going to be playing for us because unfortunately this year he was not able to wear the blue and white and represent the University of Kentucky.

“And so for the first time playing on Rupp Arena’s floor, Enes Kanter will play for the Big Blue All-Stars. (That’s) as good as we could do. We’re super excited to have him on our team.”

Kanter, a 6-foot-11 Turkish player ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA last season before he ever played for the Wildcats, was taken with the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. Because of the ongoing NBA lockout he, along with the long list of other professional stars expected to participate in this game, was available.

Sheppard, who stressed that none of the rosters are set in stone, also expects the Big Blue All-Stars — coached by former Wildcat Rex Chapman — to include John Wall, Rajon Rondo, Nazr Mohammed and DeMarcus Cousins, among many others.

Sheppard said he’s “working really hard” to get former Florida player Joakim Noah on The Villains roster, which is being coached by Christian Laettner and is expected to include former North Carolina star Tyler Hansbrough and Duke’s Nolan Smith. Sheppard said he’d also consider asking Bruce Pearl to be an assistant coach to get a “Tennessee flavor.”

There’s one major caveat to this game, for which tickets go on presale today and full sale Monday.

“If the (NBA) lockout ends, this whole tour ends,” said Sheppard, whose Big Blue All-Star team begins a five-game tour against small state colleges on Saturday and concludes with the big event in Rupp. “That’s beyond our control, but if the lockout ends, the tour ends — immediately. That would just be a tough break.”

Organizers are optimistic, though. During the press conference, Sheppard showed a pro wrestling-style promotional video in which Laettner taunts UK fans. He, of course, hit the last-second shot to beat the Wildcats in the 1992 East Regional final of the NCAA tournament.

“Hey Kentucky fans, remember me?” Laettner says in the video. “Yeah, you remember. How could you forget? … The Villains are going to stomp the Big Blue All-Stars again, just like in 1992.”

Laettner spoke to reporters on a conference call Thursday and said he’s excited to be part of the event in part because proceeds benefit The V Foundation, of which he’s been a longtime supporter. He said it’s also because he misses the roar of the crowd — even if it’s against him.

“I want to be part of that. I miss that,” he said. “I’m 42 now and I’m getting it less and less. When you retire from the NBA, you don’t get much cheering and booing.”

Laettner figures to get plenty of the latter when he comes to Rupp. Sheppard said T-shirts that say “I Still Hate Laettner” and “Laettner Sucks” are available at bigblueallstars.com. Laettner approved of both shirts.

“He’s been a good sport,” Sheppard said. “I still don’t like him.”

Laettner said he understands the “utter resentment and disdain” UK fans have for him, and he doesn’t hold it against Big Blue Nation.

“I never have and I never will. I think I realize where it comes from,” he said. “It’s kind of a compliment when you get booed so heartily, I think. There’s a thin line between love and hate.”

Big Blue exhibition game: Enes Kanter will get to play at Rupp after all
Ineligible Wildcat will be with All-Stars against Villains Oct. 24
12:28 AM, Oct. 7, 2011
courier-journal.com

NBA Blog Previews: Utah Jazz

After all that stability under Sloan, the times they are a changin' in Utah.

NBA Blogger Previews 2011 - The Utah Jazz - SLC Dunk


You would think that a team that lost its Hall of Fame coach of 23 years and traded their All-star point guard would have gaping holes.  You're not going to fill the shoes of either one of those guys but the Jazz head into the next season, whenever that may be, with a young and talented roster that could develop into a good team in the next couple of seasons.


One of the biggest needs the Jazz have is to decide what they're going to do with all of the big men they're collecting.  There's a limited amount of minutes to go around and there's a compelling argument  for each player to get those minutes.  Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors, Mehmet Okur, and Enes Kanter will be looking for playing time.  Kanter is probably the least deserving of the bunch right now, but he's going to be groomed to take over the starting center spot.  Next season will start out with Jefferson and Millsap on the floor for the tip and with Okur and Favors backing them up.  That leaves virtually zero development time for the #3 pick in the draft.  So whether it's through the amnesty clause or a trade, there will likely be a move to free up a spot in the front court.


Seems like "too many talented big men" is a good problem to have.


NBA Blog Previews: Utah Jazz
by Jeff Clark on Oct 6, 2011 8:15 PM EDT in NBA Previews
celticsblog.com

Kanter to play in charity game

Would-be Kentucky player Enes Kanter will play for the Big Blue All-Stars in a charity game against “villains” of the program, organizer Jeff Sheppard said.
Of course, Kanter did not get to play for UK because he was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA.
Sheppard said he originally hoped Kanter would play for a team that will tour Kentucky in the next few days.
That was a no-go.
But Sheppard seemed happy to announce that Kanter had committed to play in the Oct. 24 charity game in Rupp Arena.

Jerry Tripton, October 6th, 2011
ukbasketball.bloginky.com

September 26, 2011

Kobe Bryant and Enes Kanter in Istanbul


Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant arrived in Ä°stanbul on Sunday to a number of sports-related activities across the city.



Kobe’s first stop was the neighborhood of Caddebostan, where he inaugurated two basketball courts renovated by the star’s sponsor Nike and the Ä°stanbul Metropolitan Municipality. An enthusiastic crowd turned out to see the basketball star. Following the opening ceremony Kobe commented that he had found Ä°stanbul to be much more beautiful than he was told. He also said the love of basketball by young people in Ä°stanbul makes him very happy.


Responding to a reporter’s question, Kobe said he is still considering an offer from the BeÅŸiktaÅŸ basketball team.


Kobe also praised NBA’s Turkish stars Hidayet TürkoÄŸlu and Mehmet Okur. He also mentioned that he follows Spanish side FC Barcelona in football, calling Lionel Messi the best football player in the world.
He later met with his fans on Ä°stanbul’s Ä°stiklal Street. Addressing a large crowd that came to see him on a raised platform in front of a Nike store, the 33-year-old said this was his first visit to Ä°stanbul but would not be his last.


The next stop for Kobe was the final of a Nike tournament for amateur basketball players. He was accompanied by Turkish star Enes Kanter, who was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 2011 NBA draft.
In the evening, Kobe visited the Galatasaray football team at Türk Telekom Arena during their training session ahead of Tuesday’s league game against EskiÅŸehirspor. Speaking to GSTV, the Ä°stanbul team’s TV station, Kobe said he was honored to be welcomed at Galatasaray’s facilities and added that Galatasaray had won another fan. Kobe was gifted a Galatasaray jersey. In an interview with the Anatolia news agency, the star basketball player said Galatasaray’s stadium was one of the best football stadiums he had ever seen.



NBA star Kobe Bryant busy in Ä°stanbul
todayszaman.com

Kobe Bryant and Enes Kanter was coaching


Bryant, Enes Kanter, conquering the site do''with''Nike's amateur basketball tournament organized for the final, joined.
NBA stars Kobe Bryant of the largest ever shown, with the sports apparel brand, Nike's national player Enes Kanter arranged for amateur basketball tournament final,''joined''the site do, conquering.
Kobe Bryant and Enes Kanter, basketball court set up the Golden Horn Camialti Pier took place in the tournament, the finals of the team did tactician.
Kobe Bryant, the tournament's final game between the teams 15-18 years, between the ages of 18-30 and won the tournament's final match Enes Kanter'in team.
Kobe Bryant found to show great affection for the audience, the audience's request, Bryant scored kırmayıp basketball slam dunk.
Kobe Bryant at the end of the award ceremony, expressed the great pleasure to be in Istanbul, Istanbul,''I felt like at home. Definitely will come again,''he said.
haberpan.com

September 24, 2011

Kobe Bryant, will be in Istanbul with Enes Kanter tomorrow



NBA star Kobe Bryant, will meet with likes Basketball tomorrow in Istanbul.


In Istanbul for the first time at 15.00 Caddebostan Basketball Clinic, 8 basketball schools selected 100 young people between 15-17 years old come together, who will train them, Bryant, basketball court where the opening of two renovated in by Nike do.


The NBA star will Caddebostan Beyoglu, at 18.00, will visit the Nike Shop Beyoglu. Educational Institutions for children between 11-14 years from in-store event Darussafaka Bryant will answer questions, then the platform will be installed in front of the store will greet fans.





BRYANT WILL THE COACHING WITH ENES KANTER


Kobe Bryant, attended the evening event, the (A), the National Basketball Team, the NBA's patented Enes Kanter with young players will be coaching.

Nike's 'Seize the site do' tournament at 20:30 at the Golden Horn, one of two teams to compete in the finals to Shipyard Camialti coach
Bryant, Kanter will be the other coach.


Kobe Bryant, will be in Istanbul with Enes Kanter tomorrow
habermonitor.com

September 18, 2011

Enes Kanter Highlights: Utah Jazz Draft Pick Impresses at 2011 EuroBasket


Enes Kanter showed off some impressive skills in the EuroBasket tournament, held in Lithuania this year. The 6'11" center/forward averaged 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and shot 59.6% from the field. Enes scored a total of 77 points in eight games, with a tournament high of 19 points.

Kanter had streaks of productive play and showed flashes of greatness and potential, but mostly was inconsistent. Although, we have to remember that Enes is only 19 years old.

Some of his better traits included running the floor, hustling, passing, mid-range shooting, post play and dunking.

The Jazz have a new, exciting front line with the addition of Enes Kanter. Whether Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson are both still in Utah next season or not is a mystery. I believe the best move in part by the Jazz would be to keep both Jefferson and Millsap until the February trade deadline.

If, by the deadline, Kanter and second-year teammate Derrick Favors prove to be worthy of starting games consistently, a trade involving Millsap and/or Jefferson would benefit the team substantially.

Utah has a serious need for a wing scorer, and could acquire that type of player by giving up at least one of the players making up the Jazz's plethora of forwards and centers.

Once Utah irons out the wrinkles in their roster, Kanter and Favors will have the opportunity to establish a frightening frontcourt and grow together as players. Both being only 19 years old, they sport unlimited potential and youth for a rebuilding franchise.

By Broox Anderson (Correspondent) on September 18, 2011
bleacherreport.com

September 14, 2011

Enes Kanter (Turkey) highlights - Eurobasket 2011 Round 2 (3 games)

Round 2 (3 games)
Eurobasket 2011 Group E
Opponents: France, Germany, Serbia


Round 1 (5 games)
Eurobasket 2011 Group A
Opponents: Portugal, Great Britain, Lithuania, Poland, Spain


GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS

MatchMinFG2P FG3P FGFTRebASTOSTBSPFPts
M/A%M/A%M/A%M/A%ODTot
vs Portugal227/977.87/977.80/00.00/10.01670100014
vs Great Britain223/560.03/560.00/00.05/5100.03250203211
vs Lithuania162/450.02/450.00/00.01/250.0123001025
vs Poland225/862.55/862.50/00.09/1090.03253201119
vs Spain141/425.01/425.00/00.00/00.0011000032
vs France102/540.02/540.00/00.00/10.0202000124
vs Germany195/5100.05/5100.00/00.01/333.31231200211
vs Serbia174/944.44/944.40/00.03/650.03250210111