by Patricia
Having attended many RMR’s I knew what to expect as far as the game
experience, i.e. that the Jazz always struggle in the first game as new players
try to play within a system in which they’re unfamiliar. Check on that one. Or
even double check.
This RMR game was going to be different though. This game, I would be wearing a
shiny, new press credential around my neck. Honestly, I was a little bit
nervous.
Thankfully, our esteemed, resident author, JOT, was there to meet me at the door
and “show me the ropes” of reporting the RMR. What a gentleman, and teacher.
After picking up our credentials, we entered the gym and went back to the media
area to pick up all the material offered for each team: team rosters, bios, game
schedules, etc. There were lots of people milling around – some you see on TV or
hear on the radio – and it felt good to march past security into the world
beyond the gym.
Next, we pick out where we want to sit. Wow, right on the front row of the media
section, with a table on which to spread out all this information we had just
picked up. Pretty cool. The only problem is, I’m having to straddle a table leg
and bump one or the other of my knees about every time I move.
The Dallas/Atlanta game starts and I must admit my head is spinning. I’m not too
familiar with any of the players and I constantly have to look at the roster to
see who they are thus missing a great deal of the game. Well, at least I’ll know
the Jazz players when that game starts. Should be easier, right?
The game finally ends, and there is about 45 minutes until the Jazz game starts.
Well, lucky us, it’s dinner time and there is a hospitality room of sorts for
all people sporting a “badge on a lanyard”. We grab a hamburger then sit at a
table with some of the Jazz basketball scouts. Jeez, those guys don’t even talk
basketball. I guess they really do have a life.
Time for Jazz Basketball. Well, at least semi-Jazz basketball. By now, Deron has
entered the arena and boy does he look hot. He looks very handsome with the new
beard, his body looks much slimmer in street clothes than it used to, and you
can definitely tell he’s been playing golf because he has a tan. Deron has that
special air about him. So poised, so confident and so gracious.
The game starts and it’s now evident that the front row seat has its drawbacks.
Namely that I can’t see through Ty Corbin, who stands the entire game, or all
the other hundreds of people who are walking back and forth. Sitting right
behind the Jazz bench though has its moments. First, I notice that there are six
coaches! What’s up? Are we the new Dallas Mavericks? Next, it’s pretty darn
funny watching the players having to shift their seats after every stop in play.
They all huddle together, then they go back to a seat, then a coach (or Fess)
yells at everybody to scoot down. Happens every time. They struggle into a new
seat, and I watch to make sure each player has both cheeks firmly planted on one
chair. After all, somebody has to make sure they get it right.
Early into the game, my phone rings. It's my husband who says he thinks he can
see me on TV and would I please wave my right hand so he can be sure. I do and
he says, yep it's you. So now, I'm a TV star too!
When the torture of watching this game is finally over, we head back to where
the coach will give his postgame interview. I sail past security, and they don’t
even look at my badge anymore. I’ve arrived, yes? After standing around awhile,
Corbin comes out to address the media. Poor guy is pressed up against a wall
with reporters standing within inches of him, shoving microphones in his face. I
was really interested in what he had to say, but I swear he was whispering.
Unless you stuck your head through all the outstretched hands holding
microphones, and tape recording devices, you couldn’t hear a thing he said.
My evening as a reporter is over. It was fun, and like the Jazz, I think it’ll
be even better the next game.
Speaking of the game, here’s all you need to know:
Jazz shoot 29.8%
Points in the paint – Spurs 32, Jazz 14
2nd Chance points - Spurs 19, Jazz 4
Points off TO’s - Spurs 27, Jazz 7
It’s all about hustle and working hard. That wasn’t happening last night after
the first half. I’m betting it’ll be better tonight.
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