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Show Thursday, 4. December 1997 The Daily Utah Chronicle - 5 NBA Should Try To Choke Sprees Court Minutes r Way by James Edward Chronicle Sports Editor David Jackson could've been on the ladder with Miles Simon and Mike Bibbyas. Arizona cut down the nets after too often, wc are with a sobering that we are not with the of old-t- he days dealing days when coaches like Vince Lombardi were kings and players like Jim Taylor were their loyal subjects. Today we're seeing a new breed athlete who can of athlete-a- n become one of the league's highest-paiplayers by merely having his name in the lineup; an athlete who can hold his own press conference to verbally berate his coach; an athlete who can openly demand a trade from management and, more often than not, get it. These are all instances which make an sports fan like myself shake his head in disappointment. None of them, however, compare to the act of cowardice carried out by Golden State's Latrell Sprewell Monday. A three-timSprewell was quickly developing into one of the most dominating shooting guards in the league. That label, however, will probably be replaced with one of a common, uncoachable street hoodlum. After Monday's practice, Sprewell attacked Golden State coach PJ. Carlesimo during an altercation, choking the coach and threatening to kill him. After the two were separated, Sprewell returned about 15 minutes later and landed a punch to Carlesimo's head. Sprewell then called his agent, and asked him to "get me out of Hall-of-Fam- e d old-tim- e e All-Sta- Criticism Can't Deter Jackson r, here, today." Carlesimo didn't fight back. There were reports that said while the assault was taking place, other Golden State players stood around and continued to shoot around. If this is any indication of how far player-coacrelations have degenerated in pro sports, there are going to be some serious problems. It's not like similar situations haven't happened before. Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson routinely had to be separated in the dugout. Del Harris and Nick Van Exel jaw at one another occasionally. Mario Tremblay forced Patrick Roy to demand a trade out of Montreal, but never has there been an instance where a athlete has raised a hand to his winning the NCAA Championship. Instead, he sat in front of television in Salt Lake City thinking about what could've been. Just one week after Utah's tourney loss to Kentucky last year, Jackson had two options: transfer, or remain a Ute and suffer the wrath of Rack Majerus for three more years. "I talked to my dad three times a week, and he told me coach Majerus was just challenging me to see what kind of man I was," Jackson said. Jackson took the advice of his father, David Jackson Sr., and decided real men aren't quitters. After Utah's victory over Providence Tuesday night at the Great Eight tournament in Chicago, Jackson addressed the media about his performance, and then went and grabbed a courtside seat He was among 19,000 fans curious who would win the batde of No. 2 Kansas and No. 5 Arizona. He watched, knowing he had the opportunity to wear either a Jayhawk or a Wildcat uniform. But Jackson wouldn't dream of pulling an Eddie Murphy and trading places with Simon. He's willing to listen to Majerus' contest criticism because he's dreaming of an even larger agenda. "I came to Utah because I know coach is going to turn me into a pro, and that's what I want to be," Jackson said. L " " i x I tfltf V (rd lL IT r- -- prZ The NBA? And yes, this is the same David Jackson who only averaged 3.4 points per game as a freshman last year, the same shooting guard who only connected on 40 percent of his field goals. So why does Jackson suddenly feel he's NBA material? There isn't a general manager around who'd gamble and draft Jackson based on his collegiate rookie season. Then, if they ever questioned Majerus about Jackson, the odds would increase exponentially as he gave an impromptu speech 'about what a bad defender Jackson is. Give Jackson time, though. He's not looking to be the next Stephon Marbury or Kobe Bryant. In three years, he'll probably at least get a chance to accomplish his dreams. If it happens, he'll definitely buy Majerus a lobster dinner as a thank-yopresent. It would be rather ironic, conJackson Majerus last season, but he's despised sidering beginning to appreciate the approach of the college coach u see "Jackson" on page 6 Chronicle Photo Eric Rolph David Jackson's defense is improving, and as a result he's finally gaining confidence. Jazz Outclass Walker and Raptors In Blowout Win by Rick Vazquez Chronicle Asst. Sports Editor the entire night. While Raptor players stood around the basket looks on with a their faces, Utah crashed the boards and finished with a rebounding advantage. "I didn't think we were that alive on the boards," said Utah center Greg Foster after hearing of the rebounding advantage. Oh, but they were. About halfway through the first quarter, Hornacek drove the lane and floated a layup that rimmed out. While Reggie Slater and center Oliver Miller (listed at 325 pounds-a- nd that's modest) stood gazing into space, Jazz forward Adam Keefe swooped in for the rebound and the dunk. Instances like that were all too common for the Raptors, and helped the Jazz break the game open in the second half. "It's fun to see when the guys play with energy and excitement," said Utah head coach Jerry Sloan. While the Jazz front court provided most of the energy, Utah also received a boost from its from former starters Greg Ostertag and Bryon ts Toronto Raptor coach Darrell Walker wasn't doing flips after his team's performance against the fl Jazz last night. He was too busy flipping off. O iS Disgusted with his team's em effort, Walker used his midQ dle finger to tell Jazz fans "You're No. 1" as he walked off the court after Utah's 115-9victory at the Delta Center last night. As for the game itself, it was the type a true Jazz fan could enjoy. Throughout the entire first half, both teams played a sloppy, CBA-styl- e coach. of basketball. It seems pro athletes do Baby hooks in the paint wouldthings on a seemingly daily n't even touch rim. Illegal defense basis, but they usually take place off was called three times, all in the the field. Sprewell's actions may set first quarter .and all on the Raptors. an example for future hothead athPasses were thrown to no one in letes (such as high school superstar particular, except maybe for a fan Lamar Odom), and indicate that it's in the first two rows behind the the players, not the coaches, who basket.. are in charge of what takes place on "We just weren't sharp. A lot of the court. times, we came out trying to make Sprewell will most likely be too good a pass," said Jazz guard waived or traded by Golden State, Hornacek. Jeff Chronicle Photo Beth Mcdendon and will most likely catch on with a There was one advantage team that's willing to take a chance Utah's Antoine Carr (left) and Shandon Anderson battle for a rebound in the though, the Jazz would enjoy for see "Vazquez" on page 6 Jazz win last night. h high-profil- e " ar 8 58-2- 8 two-hande- bench-particul- d arly see "Jazz" on page 7 |
