Caught this on espn's sports nation chat today...

by Buc Ute on Jul 17, 2008 4:43 PM MDT

David Thorpe was the guy chatting. He has bee working with Fesenko. A couple comments that were interesting... particularly the second one. Doesn't sound like Fess is too interested in putting in hard work... at least that is Thorpe's opinion.

Clark (Durham, NC): How did Fesenko look at the IMG? Does he still have what it takes to become a stud in the league?

David Thorpe: He barely practiced when I was there. Sick, injured, etc. He could be a max player, or he could end up back in Ukraine.

Chad (Sacramento): Do you like Koufas in Utah? I think he will beat out your boy Fess for minutes. He seems more serious than Fess and Utah has a very no nonsense coach.

David Thorpe: I need to see KK. But yes, he is likely more serious about getting better. Most are, compared to Fes. The competition will be good for both guys.

All comments are the opinion of the commenter and not necessarily that of SLC Dunk or SB Nation.

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Not looking good for Fes.

Time for me to find a new profile pic?
Maybe KK the 2nd, if he looks good at the RMR.

The Utah Jazz. The Jazz... duh.
The best NBA team in Utah... no doubts about it!
Playing For Pride. Pirates, Utes, Panthers, and more...
Because, in the end, only one team can "win it all".

by UtesFan89 on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM MDT reply actions

I could see Koufos beating out Fess

From their personalities alone, I can see Sloan going with KK2 over Fess. Kosta seems to have that hard work ethic that Sloan loves. Fess better turn it on at the Revue and in training camp because you know Koufos wants it. He turned down big bucks in Greece to play in the NBA.

by Basketball John on Jul 17, 2008 6:35 PM MDT reply actions

Thorpe is definitely singing a different tune

I have been asking Thorpe about Fes since he has been working with him. Last year Thorpe said stuff like, “we could be talking about Fes vs. Oden for years to come as the premiere center matchup” and “Fes is so humble, when he was put on the d-league all star team he called me up and said ‘we made it.’” Now he still admits that Fes has the tools to be an all star and dominate in the league, but he offers it so apologetically. Isn’t there something that can be done? I mean, couldn’t the Jazz hire some 20 year old kid to become friends with Fes and become like a motivational coach? I guess it is all up to Fes, but right now it just seems like he might let his talent go to waste and “be a clown instead of a basketball player’ as Sloan has mentioned.

The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.

by clarkpojo on Jul 17, 2008 6:44 PM MDT reply actions