This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Derrick Favors flexxed his biceps while CJ Miles stuck an imaginary microphone in his face.

"Why did you dunk on Jeremy Evans," Miles asked, impersonating the Salt Lake City media.

"He needed to hit the weight room," came the retort from Favors.

The exchange was in jest, but the intent is clear: Derrick Favors is a much better player now than when he was traded to the Jazz last February as a wide-eyed rookie.

Favors scored 24 points on an impressive display of dunks and jump hooks in Monday night's charity exhibition at Salt Lake Community College.

His drop step and dunk on Evans, though, was arguably the play of the game.

Favors is more explosive than he was last year, he's more refined offensively in the post and he looks much more confident.

"Derrick is a potential all-star," Ronnie Price said.

Favors certainly looks as if he's headed that way. And at this point, a summer of workouts looks to have paid off.

"It was about me getting more confident," Favors said. "I worked a lot on my game and I just want to make an impact."

Tony Jones