After a 16-hour flight from Turkey, few things could have brought a smile to Memhet’s Okur’s face like the smiles and cheers of people waiting for him at Salt Lake International Airport.

Local Turkish citizens arrived with welcome signs to see the center before he begins his first training camp with the Utah Jazz.

“My people came here to see me and support me,” said Okur as he met the group and local media members. “They wake me up right now.”

Arriving with his wife Yeliz, Okur is anxious to start the next phase of his career with the Utah Jazz.

When asked how much sleep he needed before he would be ready to begin playing Okur wasted little time responding, “I don’t need sleep – I’m ready to go.”

And even though the he has already heard what the rigors of a Jerry Sloan training camp can be like, Okur remains confident.

“I’ve heard (training camp) is going to be tough, but I’m ready to go and I can’t wait to play.”

And his fans at the airport could not have been more excited that Turkey National Team member is finally ready to wear a Jazz uniform.

“I’m so excited, I would like to see more international players in the NBA,” said Tolga Ozer, a PHD student at the University of Utah.

“I think (Memhet) is very passionate about what he’s doing and especially in only his second year being able to get a ring.”

And Okur is looking forward to having an instant fan base.

“I hope they’re going to support me all year here,” said Okur. “It’s going to be fun.”

Memhet and Yeliz will spend the next few days getting settled in their new home in Salt Lake before the team leaves for camp in St. George, Utah.