The three newest Jazzmen (left-to-right: Dee Brown, Ronnie Brewer, Paul Millsap) flew into Salt Lake City for a press conference at the Zions Bank Basketball Center Thursday, June 29, the day after the 2006 NBA Draft. Utahjazz.com has the skinny on what the new recruits think about playing for the Jazz:

Dennis Haslam - President of the Utah Jazz

“Yesterday was a really exciting day for our franchise, we think that we did extremely well. From my perspective, with all things considered, it was a marvelous draft. We ended up with the player we thought we were going to get.”


Kevin O’Connor - Sr. VP of Utah Jazz Basketball Operations

"One of the things that we talked about consistently is adding multi-dimensional players—somebody that can play a couple different positions. He’s earned everything that he’s got, and his dad hasn't’t scored one point for him. We’re thrilled to have him here. With that being said, he’s a rookie so he’s going to have to carry the bags. He’s going to be the last one off the bus, and it’s going to be a whole different experience for him. I think having the three years at Arkansas is going to help him get adjusted to the pro life.

I think we’re always optimistic after draft day, especially this year. You want to take a look at the success that these two guys have had in college. Paul, rebounding the basketball, and Dee Brown, the success that he had in Illinois. We're hoping that what they did in college will transcend into the pros. We’re very excited because a lot of times you have a guy get drafted at a number, and you say 'that’s right around where we thought he would go.' We had both of these guys higher on our draft board. Everybody wants to be a first-round draft pick, but it’s where you finish, not where you start.”


Ronnie Brewer - Jazz First-Round Pick; 14th Overall

“I’m just really excited to be part of this organization. I used to watch the Jazz when I was younger, so I’m really excited to play for Coach Sloan. I feel that I can come here, help the team out and have an immediate impact. I’m just very excited about the situation. I was able to come and see the area a little bit, and it seems like a great community.”

Q: A lot of stuff has been mentioned about your shooting form due to your arm. How do you answer criticisms on your perimeter shot?

A: “I always give the example that it’s not how it looks, it’s the end result. All I can say is that I’m going to work hard with the coaching staff to make my shot very consistent and shoot a lot of shots where it might not look good, but if it goes in, I’ve got to stick with it.”

Q: Has your father, being a former NBA player, given you any pointers as you come into the NBA?

A: “I’ve been very fortunate. A lot of guys don’t have father figures, especially one who’s been in the NBA and seen the ups and downs of it. He told me a little bit about the ropes and how it can be tough for me as a rookie, but if I work hard and I’m willing to learn... I’m playing for a legendary coach, and he will point me in the right direction. I’m very excited about that, and I’ve been able to do a lot of positive things in my career so far. He says that the things I’ve been doing have worked and to continue to do those things, and I’ll get better.”

Q: What sort of things will you do to make an immediate impact, as opposed to rookies that Jerry brings along slowly?

A: “One of my strengths is playing defense, so I think if I come in and start off being a defensive stopper and being productive there, and then gradually being productive on the offensive end that I can make the transition smoothly from college to the NBA.”

Q: There are a lot of young guys on this team. Do you know these guys better than others?

A: “I know Deron Williams really well, and I know Dee Brown. We played those guys in college. Other than that I don’t really know the other guys on the roster.”

Q: You didn’t work out for the Jazz when you came here, but you interviewed with them. What was it like to sit across from Jerry Sloan, since he can be an intimidating guy?

A: “I think a lot of people give him a title that he’s a strict, mean guy. He might be that way on the court, but he seems pretty nice in person. We had a nice, little meeting.”

Q: What was the reaction in Arkansas?

A: “I had the best support when I made my decision. I got great support from my coaching staff, and everybody at the University and across the state.”

Q: What was the toughest thing you’ve been through in your life, and how did you grow from it?

A: “Just going through this whole process. It’s been kind of crazy because going through it I didn’t understand. I led the SEC in scoring, but the only thing they were talking about was that I couldn't shoot because of my arm. I broke it in fourth grade, and I thought it healed in fifth, sixth or seventh grade. It’s been really crazy because they bring up stuff, and I've got to prove yourself. That’s been kind of tough, and I think it’s made me a more mature person, and I’ve only grown from it. I think it’s going to help in the league and help me to succeed.”


Dee Brown - Jazz Second-Round Pick; 46th Overall

Q: What are your thoughts about playing with Deron and being reunited with him?

A: “It’s a wonderful thing. I’ve been talking to him all year about how it is out here, so it’s just great to be back with him.”

Q: What part of your game do you think this team needs?

A: “I’m going to play hard and play with a lot of energy. I know I’m going to be a great teammate. That’s the biggest part, playing hard with a lot of energy and being a good teammate. It’s looking like a great team. I love my teammates. I love my coaching staff, and I love my organization. That’s what I’m all about. That’s what I’m going to be about as long as I’m here in Utah.”

Q: Dee, what has Deron Williams told you about Coach Sloan?

A: “He just told me a few of the rules. Coming in, every coach is going to pick on the rookie. I know a lot about Coach Sloan. He’s a tough, hard-nosed guy. I like that. I can appreciate a coach that respects the game.”

Q: What do you know about Ronnie Brewer?

A: “We played him his freshman and sophomore year when I was a sophomore and junior. Both times he was incredible. I think he’s a great player.”


Paul Millsap - Jazz Second-Round Pick; 47th Overall

Q: What position do you play?

A: “I play the one, the two, and I’m a little too small to play the three, but I just play the game. Wherever my coaches need me, that’s where I’ll play.”

Q: Everybody knows you like to rebound, and everybody knows how hard it is. Why do you like to do it?

A: “It became a usual thing for me after my first year. It makes you want to go out and do it again.”

Q: What’s your secret for rebounding?

A: “It’s just something I had to do to get the ball. I just love to do it.”