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Show DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE 8 BASKETBALL THIS PLACE WILL NEVER LET YOU GO LEONARDO DICAPRIO 414. continued from Page 6 the tournament last season, it didn't face UNLV, which was eliminated in the first round by San Diego State. However, Utah coach Jim Boylen said he was focused on the next game rather than thinking about potential tournament matchups. "They'll be ready for us, we'll be ready for them," Boylen said. "It will be a great game down there, if that's what happens. To me, I'm focused on Saturday." The other likely tournament scenario for the Utes is playing San Diego State in the first round. This would be the matchup according to the current standings. The Aztecs narrowly edged the Utes earlier in the season in the Huntsman Center—the only contest between the two teams The Utes will have a better look at that potential matchup after the two teams play again Saturday night. b.brown@chronicle.utah.edu RUGBY own. w■ne., memo Thursday, February 18, 2010 continued from Page 6 "" • NAssof 1E0 A11110 I ICA111111 [IM'1111111\111 "g"T \IKE 1 PICHIES [\IX PICI IRES FIR RI 3 SlIf[l?i111011111RIS A1111 SCIIDSES[EN 1(111[A[11 B[hl \GStri 1C [[[[:1[11A11 SN[111[11 GIN 11X1119\il gmy[luN11111111[11111ISI M 11[1A1(k0Gil S ENNIS L[MAN[ GIA1\1\111111111 [NIS PH [LI'S :1"[SS[I 1111kIl[YJ[ISC11[11 \'AI ThISCOIIS[S[ ["'"""rilA[IA}(It[11G11 19 DI""Ed'JAIIIMSCIIIISES[ 4114.: '11 R RESTRICTED NOEFI 1711EOGNESACCOIIUJfl1NGPAAENTOA ADULT GIMP. DISTURBING VIOLENT CONTENT, LANGUAGE AND SOME NUDITY Em SOUNDTRACK ALBUM ON RHINO R CORDS 1111111111NOVafROMHARPIRCHNS r=7 /par= X " 121. A gM Re erved IN THEATRES EVERYWHERE FEBRUARY 19 was called to represent Samoa on its U-19 national team. After dominating the U-19 field, Palamo then played for Samoa's Sevens team. However, as Palamo approached 18, which is the age deadline to commit to a specific national team, he decided to play for the country he was born in—the United States. "I was born and raised here," Palamo said. "It made sense. In a way, sports are essentially one of the few ways for people to get out of Samoa. It didn't make sense for me to play for them, since I was limiting the opportunities for other Samoans. Me playing for the United States gives someone else the opportunity to play." Palamo found immediate success. In 2007, Palamo was called to the national squad for the World Cup, which took place in several cities across Europe. Making his World Cup debut against South Africa on Sept. 3o, at age 19, Palamo be- Let- the Chronicle help find your Spring Break paradisee dlk LENNIE MAHLER/The Daily Utah Chronicle Jay Watkins goes for a block late in the game. Watkins pulled down four rebounds, helping the Utes solidify a win at home. came the youngest player to ever appear in a World Cup match. "That alone is a huge accomplishment," Burdette said. "It speaks volumes about his talent." Although the United States lost to South Africa and didn't advance past group play, the World Cup brought even more international attention to Palamo. Biarritz Olympique signed a three-year contract with him, starting with the 2008-2009 season. Although Biarritz finished a respectable fifth in league, Palamo did not want to continue with the squad. "It really just wasn't for me," said Palamo. "Living abroad was amazing, but I really wanted to go to school." When former World Cup teammate Burdette heard that Palamo was looking to return to the States, Burdette jumped on the opportunity. "Most of us (on the 2007 squad) were, by then, coaching," said Burdette. "We all joked with him about corning to play for our respective schools. It was a friendly rivalry. But Palamo was always the first person I wanted when I first became head coach." Palamo chose to come to Utah in large part because of his friendship with Burdette. During the World Cup, Burdette was a sort of mentor to Palamo, making Utah a natural choice. Palamo was additionally named as the captain for the USA Sevens team for the World Games in Taiwan. Sevens, which is played with seven players instead of the usual 15, is becoming an increasingly important front for the international rugby scene. "Basically, we were playing to prove rugby should be reinstated as an Olympic sport," Palamo said. "That's a lot of pressure for one tournament." Palamo and the rest of the USA Sevens impressed the International Olympic Committee. In the IOC's 121st session last October, the Committee overwhelmingly voted to include Sevens in the 2016 Games in Brazil. For Utah, Palamo has become, understandably, an invaluable asset to the team. One of four starting freshmen, he has brought balance to a team that has been traditionally back-heavy. "He brings such great knowledge and skills to the game, especially with his unparalleled awareness of the field," said Burdette. "With his experience, he also brings really strong leadership to the team—something we've been lacking in the past." Despite his talent, Palamo is more concerned about the growth of the team and the sport than himself. "Athletically, there are so many players that could be (international), but they don't realize it," Palamo said. "Really, if we all started younger, like they do overseas, the U.S. would see a lot more international players." Burdette said he believes it is Palamo's attitude that makes him so successful. "You'd almost expect a player with talent like that to be a bit arrogant, but he's just the opposite," he said. "He's not concerned about himself, but only focusing on making the team and the game better." k.price@ chronicle.utah.edu DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: a Sore Throat? 801-269-8200 •t1 A Click OD rh e Travel at Call at first sign of soreness to participate in a research study Completed applications are due Friday, February 19 by 4 pm. CLINICAL RESEARCH' Crowing a Bettor Quairi In" You all We Bring Downtown Delivery 1320 E. 200 S. 300 S. 1300 E. 582-0195 582-5700 Contact Jake Sorensen at (801) 581-7540 or jake.sorensen@utah.edu for more information or to obtain an application. LIFETREE www-daltvutob-citirmActe-CDRIII - The Publications Council is now accepting applications for Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Utah Chronicle. www.thepie.com I Ir..- We deliver "Award Winning" Pizza THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH PUBLICATIONS COUNCIL |
