Kevin O'Connor
Vice President Basketball Operations

"I'm gonna turn this over and put Curtis on the hot-seat real quick and I'm going to let him introduce his better half (his fiancé) or his future better half in a second. Real quickly, we're thrilled to have been able at the 19th pick in the draft to take a player that we think is going to have an impact on the Utah Jazz for many years to come. On a side note, we had Jarron (Collins) certainly last year and with Curtis this year we've improved the IQ of the Utah Jazz immeasurably in both the front office and on the floor and we're certainly happy about that."

Any disappointment on going lower than you possibly expected?
"No, I didn't enter the draft to be a lottery pick, I entered it because I wanted to take the challenge of playing in the NBA next year. I was just hoping that I would land in a place where I fit and with a great coaching staff I was lucky enough to come to Utah. Did I expect it? I think I was prepared to go anywhere between 10 and 20, so I prepared myself for it so there's no disappointment."

Is there a feeling of being more wanted because the Jazz traded for you?
"It's nice to know that there is genuine interest. Any time a team swaps a pick or offers a second round pick just to trade up one spot, it's flattering. But, you know, I'm happy to be here."

Has he talked with Jarron Collins and did he give any insight on Utah or the NBA?
"I talked to him a couple of weeks ago when I was still debating whether or not I was going to enter the draft. The nothing but positive things to say and he and his twin Jason just really enjoyed life in the NBA and that was a big determining factor for me. I wasn't so sure what it was like, but they had nothing but good things to say."

How tough was the decision to leave Stanford early and enter the NBA draft?
"It was a tough decision. I went to Stanford to get my degree. It's always been really important to me, I've always worked hard in school. I don't know that I anticipated leaving early. I liked playing for coach Montgomery and my teammates have been amazing. Susan, my better half, has three years of eligibility left, she's a red-shirt sophomore next year, she tore her ACL this year and got a medical red-shirt for next year, to have her out there would be hard. But, we talked about it and talked with my parents and got their input, and I felt like it was my time to move on accept this new challenge."

How have the past 24 hours been?
"Pretty crazy! The good thing is they keep you busy with the draft. But as soon as you get there, you're just waiting for your name to be called, that was kind of nerve-wracking. And then when you get done with that, I was picked by the Magic, so I went through 40 minutes of interviews as a member of the Orlando Magic. I got back and got a call from Patti in the front office here and she let me know that I was with the Jazz. I kind of thought I was going to be picked by the Jazz right before the magic picked me, but I wasn't sure. So that was kind of crazy, I'm really excited, it's gorgeous out here. I was here about ten years ago, but to be out here and meet everybody has been amazing."

Thoughts on playing with John Stockton and Karl Malone?
"I keep using the word excited, but it's true. I went and saw the Jazz play the warriors this year and I was just in awe of Karl and John, and I have been for a long time. I'm originally from Seattle so I've watched a few playoff series with them a long time ago. Not only are they amazingly talented players, but they play a smart and tough brand of basketball. That's something that is emphasized at Stanford as well. Hopefully I'll fit in really well."

Have the Jazz informed you of any expectations yet?
"I was informed that Coach really likes it when your shirt's tucked in. So I'll make sure to do that. I'm tempted to tuck this shirt in right now, but he's not around so, I expect it to be just a good experience. It's really similar to Stanford. Coach Montgomery, he's an intense guy as well, and a no-nonsense guy. I can only assume that the way their team plays that it's a very serious, structured and tough-mined team. That's something I'm looking forward to being a part of."

What can you bring to the team?
"I've felt like my strength is on the defensive end. I like to block shots, I improved my rebounding quite a bit this season and I also learned to play with my back to the basket. Hopefully I'll be able to provide energy, a presence on the defensive end and slowly work my way into the offense as well."