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Show orts The College Times MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2007 He has returned Photos by Mark Johnston/ College Times (Above) Ronnie Price, during warm-ups at a preseason game, made a name for himself as the nation's third leading scorer with 24.3 points per game, and he hopes to help the Utah Jazz now. (Below) Ronnie Price in action against the Philadelphia 76ers. Price is averaging 10.8 minutes and 3.7 points per game through six preseason games. Former Wolverine guard Ronnie Price is back in Utah Matt Beaudin Sports writer While it's not quite as dramatic as Michael Jordan's return to Chicago or Mario Lemieux's return to the ice in Pittsburgh, Ronnie Price, the face of Utah Valley basketball, is back in the Beehive State as a member of the Utah Jazz. After a two-year stint with the Sacramento Kings, (he Jazz signed Price to a multi-year contract as a free agent over the summer. "It's great to be back in Utah," Price said. In his senior season as a Wolverine, Price averaged 24.3 points and 4.2 boards a contest and was named Division 1 Independents player of the year. In his final game at Utah Valley, Price scorched Northern Colorado with a season-high 36 points before bowing to kiss the floor in Jordanesque fashion. "That was a great way to end a college career on the home court," Price said. "The excitement, the feeling, the support it just capped off a great time and a great career." Price left his legacy at Utah Valley and became the only player from UVSC to go directly to the NBA when he signed with the Kings in 2005. In five preseason games with the Jazz, Price has averaged four points and 2.3 assists a game in 11.4 minutes a game. Along with former teammate Jason Hart, Price was brought to Utah to back-up Deron Williams, who emerged as one of the league's best point guards in the Jazz* run to the Western Conference finals. In Wednesday night's 101-93 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Price played just over seven minutes scoring six points on 2-0f-3 shooting from the field including a 20-foot jumper to finish the first half. Utah cruised to its third win of the preseason thanks to Carlos Boozer's team-high 17. Secondyear player Ronnie Brewer continued his high level of play in the preseason by adding 14 points to go along with four assists on the night. On a team full of guards Price will look to contribute in any way he can when he gets the opportunity. "We have guys that can put the ball in the hole every which way," Price said. "My job is to be an energy guy." With the Jazz in need of perimeter defense and athleticism Price could be just the right fit to fill that role and get some significant minutes. With Price so close to his former school he expects to be in attendance at as many Utah Valley men's basketball games as his busy schedule will allow. "I'll be there front row, front and center watching as many games as I can." .Price Profile :piayed at Nlcholls State before transferring to UVSC as a Sophoj-> '• more- • y.*\ ^ ^ ^ # ^ v * / ^ ; ; ^ -Averaged 243,polnts a game at 1 UVSC as a senior. -Was named the 2004-05 Independent Player of the Year. -Signed a two-year guaranteed. 1 contract \ylth the Sacramento 3V Kings out of college. • : -Signed a free agent contract with /theUtahJarz.lnAugust.'iJ-.', ..-•/, -•SC'J Hoopsters ready to start new season Can Wolverines repeat success of last year's team? Jason Adklns Sports writer Utah Valley men's basketball team started practice on Oct. 12 to start a new season where expectations are high after last season's 22-7 record. What was remarkable about the mark was that is was the best finish for an NCAA Division I independent since Notre Dame finished with the same record in 1986-87. "It was a wonderful season last year, and something that we are all going to tuck away in our memory banks and enjoy the achievements," UVSC Coach Dick Hunsaker said. "We have progressed far more rapidly than I think anyone anticipated." UVSC can't rest on its laurels and with the start of practice, those memories are end with fresh work to See HOOPS-86 Losses continue to mount Matt Beaudin Sports writer Things continue to worsen for Utah Valley on the pitch this season. After dropping two more games to North Dakota State and South Dakota State by a combined score of 8-1, the lady Wolverines's record drops to 2-11-1 on the year. With two regular sea- son games remaining, both on the road Utah Valley is on the final stretch of the season and is now slipping into must-win mode. Before hosting the United Soccer Conference Tournament in early November the Wolverines took on two conference opponents in New Jersey Tech and See SOCCER. 65 |