- The first time I saw Karl Malone was back in 1985 when I was the head coach at Ohio and Karl successfully led his Louisiana Tech team over mine in the NCAA Regionals.

He didn't have that "Body by Atlas" physique yet, but you could see he had special skills. Yet I don't think you would have projected the kind of career he had, one that will ultimately put him in the Hall of Fame.

That's because Karl Malone became the type of player he ultimately did through years of hard work, integrity and professionalism.

After years of coaching against Karl when he was with Utah, I had the special opportunity last season to be one of his coaches with the Los Angeles Lakers. And although I already had a special respect for him, I still didn't fully appreciate what kind of unique individual he was until I worked with him on a daily basis.

You simply can't say too much about what he brings to the table.

First, there's the work ethic. Karl worked as hard as he did at the end of his basketball career as he did at the beginning. He consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. He never once gave an inch to an opponent.

Then, there's his teamwork. Karl was willing to do whatever it took for his team to win a basketball game. Karl showed up and played the game the right way every day. He wasn't concerned about the spotlight, he was concerned about making a contribution, about doing his job.

He gave you all he had, and at the end of the day, that's all he wanted to do.

As you might recall, last season for L.A. began with Kobe Bryant declaring that the Lakers were "his" team, with Shaquille O'Neal responding in kind. The season might have been lost right there if it wasn't for Karl stepping up and saying, wait a minute, this is Mr. Jerry Buss' team, and our focus needs to be winning a championship and our thoughts on what these uniforms we wear represent.

No one on that team questioned what Karl said, or what he stood for.

And, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind - none, period - that we would have won the NBA championship last season had Karl been healthy enough to play in the Finals. That's the type of impact he had.

When you look in the record book, you'll see that Karl Malone was the second-leading scorer in the history of the game. You'll also see that he never won a championship.

But that lack of a title won't define who he is. It won't define who he is in anybody's eyes. Karl Malone always will be a champion to me.

I'm very proud to have worked with him, very proud to have been associated with him, even if it was only for one year.

Utah, Karl Malone is a class act, and you're extremely fortunate he played for you for 18 years.

Jim Cleamons, an assistant coach for the New Orleans Hornets who has won eight NBA championships as a player and coach, writes a weekly column for The Tribune.