Chicago » Not until he saw the upcoming itinerary before Saturday's game against the Clippers did Othyus Jeffers realize that his first trip with the Jazz also would bring a Windy City homecoming.
Having grown up 10 minutes from United Center on Chicago's west side, Jeffers made his return Tuesday. For just his second NBA game, Jeffers estimated a jaw-dropping 125 to 150 family members and friends were in attendance.
"It hasn't hit me yet," Jeffers said. "Just driving through the city yesterday and seeing the things I grew up and saw and being in this position now, I just want it to last. So I've got to work hard and try to make that stand."
Jeffers played two years at Illinois-Chicago before finishing his college career across town at Robert Morris. The Jazz signed him to a 10-day contract Thursday, delivering him to his family's doorstep in the first stop of this four-game trip.
He got in for 2.9 seconds to end the first half, then played the last 2:10 of the blowout. Jeffers missed a layup but converted two free throws with 36.2 seconds left after he was fouled by Joe Alexander . They were the last of the Jazz's 132 points against the Bulls.
"My wow factor's over," Jeffers said. "It's back to business. Right after we made it to the tunnel, coach got on me about missing the layup. ... It's business time to do what I have to do to keep this job, and that's what I'm working toward."
There was a wow moment for everybody else, though. Bulls executive vice president John Paxson ventured into the Jazz locker room to visit with Jeffers. Turns out, Paxson's son Ryan played at Olivet Nazarene and against Jeffers during his NAIA days.
Developing situation
The first time he was assigned to the Utah Flash this season, Kosta Koufos ' stay with the Jazz's NBA Development League affiliate lasted just one game. The second-year center was quickly recalled after Carlos Boozer suffered a strained calf.
With the Jazz re-assigning Koufos on Monday, coach Jerry Sloan suggested this stay could last longer. The Flash have 11 games remaining in a season that runs through April 3, and Sloan said the Jazz weren't planning to recall Koufos unless necessitated by injury.
"We love the way he works out individually and all that stuff," Sloan said. "He practices hard. It's just basketball, the seasons have been kind of iffy, you might say. I think it'd be great for him to be able to play."
Koufos has played a total of 86 minutes -- not even two full games -- this season with the Jazz. With Koufos missing summer league due to a dislocated finger, Sloan noted how sparingly he has played since coming to the Jazz.
After spending just one season at Ohio State before making the leap to the NBA, Koufos must improve his reads both on defense and offense, Sloan added. "That recognition has to come right away," Sloan said. "You don't have all day to think about it."
Briefly
The Jazz closed within a game of No. 3 Denver in the Western Conference standings with the victory. ... With a 16-14 record, the Jazz have surpassed their entire road victory total from last season and need to win five of their final 11 games to ensure a winning road record. ... Boozer had 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists against the Bulls, who could be one of his free-agent suitors this summer. "They'll be in the playoffs, I'm sure they will," Boozer said.
