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As the old joke goes, I have some bad news and some good news.

Need I say it?

It would be very easy to simply say that this game stunk. Ok, why not say it? It’s true. And despite the stench left on the court Friday night by the heroic home team, I did see some positive things to think about.

• There are only six more games by the Jazz pups.
• It can’t get any worse.
• Sooner or later someone on the Jazz team will have a good game. Maybe next summer.
• The Jazz started the tallest team I’ve ever seen.
• Fesenko got two quick fouls so I didn’t have to sit through any more of his dreadful performance.
• Koufos…..Ditto.
• Mo Almond did have some very nice moves and buckets. Then he woke up.
• The Jazz point guard play was so bad, the rest of the team might win the Oympics with Deron Williams running the show. Who knows?
• I got to sit with the lovely Paterooski. Yes, she’s just as nice in person, and knows everyone, it seems. When several of the Jazz dancers stop by and talk, and Amy Williams stops and chats…….It doesn’t get any better than that.
• Deron’s got a cool beard going. He looks good.
• I picked the starting lineup. So fire me, it’s my fault.

That’s the good news. Nice, huh?

Want a dose of reality? It’s not likely to get much better. And really, it doesn’t matter a great deal. The RMR is not about winning games, it’s about evaluating talent and seeing who really wants to play. Maybe CJ is onto something. Just sit it out, and they will come.

There, I feel a little better. It’s always rewarding to make fun and embarrass others.

Put away the razors and cyanide, friend. Sit down a take a deep breath. Feel a little better? Things are not quite as bleak as I’m portraying, not quite. There are a few things to think about, a few things to hold onto and treasure, a few things to make you feel warm and fuzzy when you wake up in a cold sweat tonight, and wonder if it was all just a nightmare.

There was talent on the floor for the Jazz youngsters tonight, a lot of talent. The problem was as a team, it was not the right talent. What we call team chemistry, or what in reality is simply good team play, was almost totally absent.

The Jazz started all three of their contracted players, which makes sense because they want to see where they are, what they need to work on, what kind of shape they’re in, and let them stick a toe in the water before they jump in head first. They wanted to see what happened in a game situation, then evaluate and go from there. This is simply the start of these kid's journey, and it’s a long, hard journey at that.

As I was waiting for Ty Corbin to come out and spin, I saw him hide a grin when he saw the vultures waiting for a few raw tidbits to appease the Jazz masses. I sort of felt sorry for him, but he manned up and told it like it was. It was bad. It was a little bleak. There is hope, however.

The Jazz RMR edition won’t play that way again. It was a wake up call. I guarantee it.

As individuals, here is what I saw.

Fess had a horrible game. He still looks to be in much better shape, though not where Jerry and the Jazz want him to be. His agent was leaning against the wall across from me in the hall way, and I think he was glad for the wall to help him stand up. He looked a little pale. This was a wakeup call for Ky Fesenko, and I was encouraged by his body language. He wasn’t happy. Let’s see how he responds after getting knocked on his butt.

Kosta Koufos was a little shell shocked and nervous, and it showed. When he calmed down, I saw much to be encouraged about with his game and physical talent. He’s got the makings of a very good NBA player, will be much sooner than later. Right now, green as he is, put him on the floor with Deron, Brew, Booz and AK, and the kid would fit right in. He’s very quick, runs like a deer, has great hands, coordination and athletic ability. He needs experience, but I’m very excited about the kind of player he will be for the Jazz. He was a steal at 23, and would have been a steal at 10. I’d be shocked if he’s not in double figures tonight, and feeling much better about his game. Don’t be discouraged at all, be very excited about the player this kid is going to be. Some kids you wonder about, wonder if the light will come on. Not with Koufos.

Each year the Jazz try to run some plays for their contracted players, as an example last year they wanted Fess to set up on the left side so they could evaluate his game turning into the middle with his right hand. This year, they tried to pound the ball in deep with Mo Almond, for they know he can spot up and shoot. Mo showed some very nice drives and moves, and showed a real talent for picking up fouls and converting. One drive down the middle was exceptional, showing his right hand a al Kobe or MJ, then flipping it in with the left hand. Mo had an off game as well, and still scored 17 points. I was also impressed with his defense on several occasions.

The point guard play last night was exceptionally bad, perhaps the worst I’ve seen in a long, long time. I expect to see Earl Galloway play tonight, and the level of play stepped up.

Britten Johnson was perhaps the best player on the court for the Jazz last night, showing real moxy and a very quick first step for someone his size. He’s an NBA player, and should be playing for a team right now in the NBA. A real case could be made for clearing room for a roster spot for him on the Jazz. There aren’t many 6’10” SF’s with his strength, size and quickness. With the roster as full as it is on the Jazz, it’s hard to see him stick, which is a shame.

I also saw why Korolev was drafted in the first round last night, and why he didn’t make it the first go around. He’s very quick, skilled and talented, and also inexplicably timid in showing what he can do. Why he doesn’t exert himself, I’m not sure. He can play, whether the light will come on, whether he will gain enough confidence to be an NBA player, the jury is still out on that call. He’s smooth, very quick and has a great shot. I’ll be watching him a little closer Saturday night. He’s a little bit of an enigma.

First game is in the books, and it’s one to remember only long enough to make you play better tonight. We’ll see what kind of heart these players have shortly.

Stay tuned.