PF/C Kosta Koufos (CSKA Moscow)

[Buckskin86]

BOOZER'S TAKE: Two-time NBA All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer of the Jazz weighed in recently on the struggles of young bigs KostaKoufos and KyryloFesenko, who were blasted by Sloan after an exhibition loss last weekend to the Los Angeles Clippers for "just going through the motions" and their need to "learn to compete."

"All they've got to do is work hard," Boozer said. "They're young. They're very talented. They've just got to keep working, man.

"They're gonna struggle at times. As vets, we struggle at times, too. But we have a little more experience, and we've learned to be able to push through our mistakes. If we make a mistake, we make it up later on (in) the game. That's what they've got to do.

"They've got to not focus on their mistakes as much, and if they make a mistake, learn from it," he added. "But you guys know. They bust their tails. They work hard every day at practice, after practice. They've just got to stay a little more positive and not beat them themselves up as much, in my opinion."

In their final three preseason games since Sloan's rebuke, Fesenko had 23 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks over 41 total minutes, while Koufos produced 18 points and 14 boards in 58 minutes.

The Jazz could count on both ? especially the 7-foot-1 Fesenko ? for regular-season minutes, especially against similarly sized match-ups.

"He's not being redshirted," Sloan said of Fesenko. "He's here to play and try to get better. I mean, obviously we have issues once in a while with his work habit. But, you know, he's got to continue to work."

Deseret News | Jazz hope ailing Brewer keeps up his hot shooting

 

[Buckskin86]

KOUFOS OPTION EXERCISED: The Jazz on Friday exercised their third-year, 2010-11 season option on second-season big man Kosta Koufos.

"I think he's demonstrated the fact he's improved, and we feel he's an NBA player," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said.

Now that Koufos is officially under contract for next season at $1.3 million, the Jazz anticipate ? and expect ? further improvement.

But they know it will be no overnight process.

"He's 20 years old," O'Connor said, "and development, generally, of players that are that young takes significant time."

The Jazz took Koufos, who played one season at Ohio State, 23rd overall in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft. The American-born big also is a member of Greece's national team.

"I appreciate the extra commitment the Utah Jazz has given me," said Koufos, who had five points and eight rebounds in 13 minutes Friday.

Deseret News | Utah Jazz notebook: Korver back in Salt Lake following knee surgery

 

[Buckskin86]

Koufos waiting for opportunity
By Ross Siler
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 11/12/2009

Philadelphia ? A year ago, Kosta Koufos made the first start of his NBA career in this city against the 76ers, pressed into action with Mehmet Okur attending to his ailing father in Turkey, Jarron Collins out with an injured elbow and Kyrylo Fesenko dealing with visa issues.

A 19-year-old rookie at the time, Koufos was one of the youngest players to start in Jazz history. He finished with six points and five rebounds in 21 minutes, but has found playing time scarce in the 12 months since.

Koufos came into Wednesday's loss to Boston having played just 17 minutes all season, even after the Jazz exercised a $1.3 million option to keep Koufos for the 2010-11 season. He totaled six points and four rebounds in six minutes against the Celtics.

"I wouldn't say tough," Koufos said when asked about the situation. "I'm ready. I've been working hard, maintaining my shape, and whenever my number's called upon, I'm going to get in there and try to produce."

As he often does, Koufos reiterated that he is focused on working hard, getting better and helping the team. A native of Canton, Ohio, Koufos will be returning home for Saturday's game in Cleveland.

Koufos waiting for opportunity - Salt Lake Tribune

 

[Buckskin86]

Sunday Special: Koufos making most of his NBA chances
By Todd Porter
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Nov 14, 2009

Playing time in the NBA can be tough. Kosta Koufos is finding that out.

The GlenOak High School graduate and former Ohio State star is in his second season with the Utah Jazz. The former first-round draft pick hasn?t played much this season.

But that?s more a product of his inexperience combined with Head Coach Jerry Sloan?s ability to groom young players and not press them into the game until they are mentally and physically prepared.

?With a year under my belt, I feel stronger and more confident,? Koufos said in between a morning shootaround and Saturday night?s game at Cleveland. ?When I get the opportunity, I just want to be successful at whatever chance I have.?

No one should wonder about Utah?s belief in Koufos, though.

The Jazz picked up an option on Koufos for the 2010-11 season at $1.3 million. Koufos played in 48 games as a rookie, much of the time because of injuries to teammates. Picking up a third year on a draft pick isn?t a given. Utah did not pick up the option on former first-round pick Morris Almond last year.

?We feel like he needs improvement, but I think it?s the responsibility of our franchise to show patience in a big guy,? Jazz General Manager Kevin O?Connor told the Salt Lake Tribune.

Koufos had one of his best games of the season this week. During a 105-86 loss in Boston, Koufos scored 6 points on 3-of-3 shooting with four rebounds in just six minutes.

In seven games this season, Koufos is averaging just less than four minutes a game.

?Whenever I?ve been in, I?ve produced,? Koufos said. ?I?ve played well, and I?m getting better every day. Right now, what I need to do is take everything ? offensively and defensively ? to the next level. The good thing about basketball is you can always get better.?

Koufos is still one of the youngest players in the NBA. He won?t turn 21 until February. That doesn?t mean there is much difference with how Sloan treats him.

?Coach Sloan is intense,? Koufos said. ?The only difference between this year and last year is he isn?t calling me ?rookie? any more. He gets on you, but he wants you to be successful. He?s a Hall of Fame coach.?

PLAYING IN GREECE

Koufos has somewhat of a rock star status in Greece. He played there with the senior Greek national team in the FIBA European Champion-ship. Greece won the bronze medal as Koufos averaged about 6 points a game in five FIBA games.

?It was a great experience for me,? Koufos said. ?I got to play, and I played well. It was a blessing. To go from the NBA season to playing there, getting to play basketball at a high level year round was great.?

It?s hard for big men in the NBA to blend in without being noticed. Koufos is often recognized in and around Salt Lake City. Fans are cordial. But in Greece, they flock to him and ask to pose for pictures.

?It?s a different kind of attention over there,? Koufos said.

Sunday Special: Koufos making most of his NBA chances - Canton, OH - CantonRep.com

Koufos working to improve
Jazz’s Sloan calls GlenOak graduate ‘hard worker’.
By Mike Popovich
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Nov 14, 2009

AP / Daniel Ochoa de Olza
GlenOak High School graduate Kosta Koufos puts up a shot for the Utah Jazz during a preseason game. Koufos still is learning the pro game, but Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan sees progress.

CLEVELAND — .Kosta Koufos takes everything one step at a time.

The former GlenOak High School and Ohio State star plays only a few minutes a night for the Utah Jazz. That can be tough for a second-year NBA player who is eager to make a good impression.

Koufos does not dwell on playing time. He remains patient, stays upbeat and strives to improve each day.

“I’m here just to get better and help the team out as much as possible,” Koufos said.

Koufos started and played 27 minutes in his first homecoming game as a pro last season. In Utah’s 107-103 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena, the 7-footer never left the bench.

Even though his minutes are down, Koufos feels the experience he has gained during the past year has been invaluable.

“I feel a lot more comfortable on the court,” he said.

Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan said Koufos is a hard worker who has improved a great deal since the start of his rookie season.

“Being so young, trying to understand the mechanics of the game has probably slowed him down a little bit,” Sloan said. “But his work habit is not slowing down. He’s been a very hard worker. Coaches who work with him like working with him because he does work hard.”

http://www.cantonrep.com/cavaliers/x255185848/Koufos-working-to-improve

Homecoming game

With some "big time" help from his teammates, Kosta Koufos was able to line up 16 tickets for family and friends as the Canton, Ohio, native returned home for Saturday's game.

It was a different homecoming for Koufos this November than last, when he made an emergency start as a 19-year-old rookie with Mehmet Okur attending to his ailing father in Turkey and Jarron Collins out with an elbow injury.

"A different perspective," said Koufos, who did not play Saturday and has seen only 25 minutes of action this season. "Stay focused and be ready."

Sloan praised Koufos as a hard worker who has improved in his two seasons with the Jazz, adding, "It's just that being so young, trying to understand the mechanics of the game has probably slowed him down a little bit."

"He's big and long and he probably needs a chance to play a little bit more," Sloan continued, "but we're trying to win games every time we step out there and it's not an exhibition season now. Everything's on the line."

Sloan also was asked about the difficulty in trying to develop a pair of young centers in Koufos and Kyrylo Fesenko when both are seemingly competing for the same minutes.

"The minutes are always tough, but that's what the D-League's about," Sloan said, adding, "I think sometimes they think that's a demotion. What it is is a way to try to learn how to become a better player."

Koufos played 10 games with the D-League's Utah Flash last season, but is unlikely to return as long as the Jazz are struggling just to dress 12 players for games.

http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_13792414

 

[Buckskin86]

Healthy Jazz big man Kosta Koufos was inactive Friday for a third consecutive game. He hasn't played in five straight games, and has appeared in just one of Utah's last nine.

Deseret News | Utah Jazz notebook: Williams tells Barkley Boozer situation not an issue

 

[Buckskin86]

Jazz: Young centers waiting turn for Jazz
By Ross Siler
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 01/13/2010

The evaluations take place out of the public eye, mornings on the Jazz's practice court and afternoons at EnergySolutions Arena, where Kyrylo Fesenko and Kosta Koufos work out with assistant coaches and play games of one-on-one up to three hours before tipoff.

As they approach the midpoint of the season, the Jazz's young 7-footers remain largely a mystery to all but the most ardent fans, having played a combined 287 minutes this season, though coach Jerry Sloan believes Fesenko and Koufos have made progress.

"I think they've improved," Sloan said. "The only thing is it's hard to get them the kind of minutes they need to play. It's been difficult. They've just got to continue to work, try to make themselves better. It's just young players sometimes take a little longer."

It's been the story for both throughout their time in Utah -- 21/2 years for Fesenko, 11/2 years for Koufos. Fesenko has played ahead of Koufos this season, but on a team with Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and Paul Millsap, his opportunities have been limited.

Koufos, meanwhile, has played just 67 minutes in 19 games and is on pace to play only a quarter of the minutes this season he did as a 19-year-old rookie from Ohio State.

"We've got a great team and we've got great big men in front of us," Koufos said, adding, "It's great to learn from those guys. I'm just taking it a day at a time and just learning every day. I feel confident in my game and I've shown I can play at the NBA level."

The Jazz already have exercised a $1.3 million option to bring back Koufos -- who won't turn 21 until Feb. 24 -- for next season. Koufos has impressed Sloan with his work ethic.

Both Sloan and general manager Kevin O'Connor acknowledge that they have discussed sending Koufos to the NBA Development League's Utah Flash, but are reluctant to do so at the expense of being short-handed for games and practices due to injuries.

Sloan said Fesenko was ahead of Koufos largely because of his better recognition on the court, with the benefit of an extra season to become familiar with the Jazz's plays.

"I played myself; it took me three years to understand an offense," Sloan said. "And I thought I was fairly intelligent. Trying to learn the different things you have to do and then defend, be able to do all those things, it takes a little while."

Sloan was asked if he makes a point of telling the young centers the organization likes the progress they are making, even if they haven't been able to get into games.

"I mention it to them," Sloan said, "but I don't go around with a handful of candy."

Jazz: Young centers waiting turn for Jazz - Salt Lake Tribune

 

[bucknut11]

Back to the D-league

link

 

[Buckskin86]

Utah Jazz: Koufos determined to stay positive in D-League
By Jody Genessy
Deseret News
Published: Monday, Jan. 25, 2010

OREM ? Kosta Koufos has made it clear in the past that he is thrilled to play professional basketball in the Beehive State ? as long as it's for the Utah team that goes by the Jazz, that is.

Not the Flash.

That's still obviously Koufos' preference.

It just isn't his situation for now after the 2008 first-round pick was reassigned to the Jazz's NBA Development League affiliate Monday.

Koufos was certainly disappointed but seemed determined to try to make the best of it.

"It's what it is. You can't do anything about it. Just get better," Koufos said Monday at his first shootaround with the Flash at the UVU Events Center.

"I know I'm a good player. I played well when I played with the Jazz and I've shown that, so I'm just going to be here, play hard and get better."

Everybody involved hopes he keeps that positive attitude ? something he didn't quite do last spring when he was sent to the D-League for the first time as a rookie.

"I think he struggled with it," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan admitted.

"From the conversations I had with their (the Flash's) people, I think he was frustrated with maybe the fact that he was down there," Sloan added. "But that's what the D-league is about, is development. It's not about trying to bury somebody. Our business is to try to make players better."

The seldom-used Koufos, who's averaged only 3.6 minutes in 21 appearances this season, said Jazz management told him they want to "get some minutes." Even if he's bummed about not being in the NBA, he says improving will be his focus during what he hopes is a short-lived D-League stint.

"I view myself as an NBA player," Koufos said. "I play hard."

Koufos' displeasure for being sent to the Flash last year is not a secret among the D-League organization, which might explain why team owner Brandt Andersen gave him a pep talk upon his arrival.

The Jazz told Flash coach Brad Jones they hope Koufos can better adapt his game to playing comfortably in their system, which the D-League squad also uses.

"You can't get that," Jones said, "sitting behind the bench."

Utah Jazz: Koufos determined to stay positive in D-League | Deseret News

 

[Buckskin86]

KOUFOS RECALLED: The Jazz on Thursday recalled second-year big man Kosta Koufos from the Utah Flash, their NBA Development League affiliate.

The recall was made largely because of the uncertainty surrounding Boozer. Jazz backup center Kyrylo Fesenko also remains out with a sprained left ankle that's sidelined him for six straight games.

"We need bodies ? especially bigs," O'Connor said.

Koufos has played just one game with the Flash since getting sent down, scoring 16 points and pulling down seven rebounds in Monday's loss to Maine.

Utah Jazz notebook: Unselfishly sharing the ball has boosted Utah's fortunes | Deseret News

 

[Buckskin86]

Interest in Koufos: Former Canton GlenOak star and Ohio State product Kosta Koufos hasn't been getting much playing time this season in his second year with the Utah Jazz. According to a league source, several teams have contacted the Jazz about Koufos before Thursday's deadline.

Wait and see: Stoudemire remains Cleveland Cavaliers' top target, but Jamison still a strong option | Cleveland Cavaliers - cleveland.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Jazz's Koufos Re-Assigned To Utah Flash
March 8, 2010 - NBA Development League (D-League)

NEW YORK, March 10, 2010 - Utah Jazz second-year center Kosta Koufos was re-assigned to the Utah Flash, the Jazz's NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. Koufos' re-assignment is the 29th of the 2009-10 NBA D-League season and the second for him this season.

The 7-0 center out of Ohio State, has appeared in 25 games for the Jazz this season and is averaging 1.1 points in 3.4 minutes. He scored a season-high six points in five minutes in a 100-97 win over the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 21. For his career, he has appeared in 69 games, seven starts, and owns averages of 3.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 9.3 minutes.

Koufos returns to the Flash following a one-game assignment earlier this season. In 11 career games with the Flash, including a 10-game assignment during the 2008-09 season, he averaged 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 29.6 minutes.

Selected by the Jazz in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, Koufos played one season at Ohio State, where he averaged 14.4 points in 37 games, earning Third Team All-Big Ten and All-Freshman Team honors.

A dual citizen of the United States and Greece, Koufos played for the Greek U18 National Team, where he averaged 26.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots while helping Greece to a silver medal at the 2007 UMCOR U18 European Championships.

Jazz's Koufos Re-Assigned To Utah Flash - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News

 

[Buckskin86]

Developing situation

The first time he was assigned to the Utah Flash this season, Kosta Koufos ' stay with the Jazz's NBA Development League affiliate lasted just one game. The second-year center was quickly recalled after Carlos Boozer suffered a strained calf.

With the Jazz re-assigning Koufos on Monday, coach Jerry Sloan suggested this stay could last longer. The Flash have 11 games remaining in a season that runs through April 3, and Sloan said the Jazz weren't planning to recall Koufos unless necessitated by injury.

"We love the way he works out individually and all that stuff," Sloan said. "He practices hard. It's just basketball, the seasons have been kind of iffy, you might say. I think it'd be great for him to be able to play."

Koufos has played a total of 86 minutes -- not even two full games -- this season with the Jazz. With Koufos missing summer league due to a dislocated finger, Sloan noted how sparingly he has played since coming to the Jazz.

After spending just one season at Ohio State before making the leap to the NBA, Koufos must improve his reads both on defense and offense, Sloan added. "That recognition has to come right away," Sloan said. "You don't have all day to think about it."

A homecoming for Jeffers - Salt Lake Tribune

 

[MaxBuck]

I'm glad Kosta and BJ have the opportunity this season of learning professional basketball skills in the NBDL. It's a great chance for them, and it relieves the Buckeyes from the distraction that having multiple pro-level players on the team could cause.

No distractions = a good thing.

 

[matcar]

I'm glad Kosta and BJ have the opportunity this season of learning professional basketball skills in the NBDL. It's a great chance for them, and it relieves the Buckeyes from the distraction that having multiple pro-level players on the team could cause.

No distractions = a good thing.

I think these guys made the right decision. I don't believe they are ever going to be real NBA talent, but if they got some money out of it by leaving early when someone THOUGHT they had NBA talent...well good for them.

 

[Buckskin86]

Koufos plans to improve during time in D-League
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 03/13/2010
Steve Luhm

Orem

The Utah Flash's 90-minute practice at the Pinnacle Security employee gym had just ended.

Kosta Koufos, the newest member of the NBA Development League team, was headed home.

About the same time -- two times zones away -- the Utah Jazz were arriving at the Palace of Auburn Hills for their game against the Pistons.

Koufos planned to watch the Jazz on TV, wishing he was in suburban Detroit but knowing his future will be partly determined by his performance in the coming days with the Flash.

"It is what it is, you know?" Koufos said. "I'm here to work hard and get better as a player and show everybody I can play in the NBA, once I'm given a good opportunity."

Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor and coach Jerry Sloan insist they still believe in Koufos, the 21-year-old who spent one year at Ohio State before Utah made him the 23rd pick in the 2008 draft.

Playing time has been scarce, however, and the Jazz hope the minutes Koufos gets with the Flash make him an improved player next season and beyond.

Before Koufos joined the Flash on Monday, Sloan explained to him the reason for the D-League assignment.

"He said I'm a very hard worker-- that I work hard -- and right now he wants me to play," Koufos said. "... I'm going to make the best of it. I'm professional. I'm going to work on my game."

In two seasons with the Jazz, Koufos has played 651 minutes, about the equivalent of

16 college games.

Just think.

Koufos would have gained three times that much experience if he had stayed at Ohio State.

On the other hand, the Jazz pay more than the Buckeyes. Koufos makes just more than $1 million this season. So his decision to turn pro is understandable.

Still, if Koufos had stayed in college and declared for the upcoming 2010 draft, one scout assured me he would be a top-10 pick.

In hindsight, it's apparent Koufos would have benefited greatly from staying in school. Of course, he can't change his mind now and, to his credit, he believes he picked the correct career path.

"It's hard," Koufos said. "But I'm still a young guy and I feel like I'm going to be successful in this league.

"I work my butt off every day. I have shown I have skills and the ability to play. I'm going to take my game to the next level ... and help my team win."

Koufos plans to improve during time in D-League - Salt Lake Tribune