There’s no getting around it, or ignoring it — unless, of course, you’re an NBA head coach with no social media apps on his phone:
Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler and Jazz rookie head coach Will Hardy look alike.
A lot.
Jazz fans have noticed. When a statement was posed to Kessler on Monday’s media day about, “There’s a lot of jokes that have been made on social media,” he quickly interjected.
“About [how] me and Will Hardy look alike?”
According to the big man, some of the Jazz players have apparently noticed, too.
“Yeah, a lot. You know, I’ve heard it all about me being his brother or his clone,” “Kessler said. Let’s face it — we’ve both got the same haircut, the same face, jawline. I feel like coach should be complimented that he looks like me. But that’s just my opinion.”
Apparently the only one who hasn’t noticed is Hardy, who has admitted that he participates in social media exactly never. So, when asked at the end of Tuesday’s media session following the first day of training camp whether he thought Kessler looks like him, the coach was alternately confused and bemused.
“I honestly hadn’t thought about it ’til right now. I’m guessing that you do?” he replied.
Told there are jokes and conspiracy theories online about the two of them not having been seen in the same room together, he laughed. Then, informed of Kessler’s “compliment” line, he laughed more.
“Well, thank you for the compliment. I appreciate that!” he concluded, walking out of the room, shaking his head in amused disbelief.
A good first impression from Simone Fontecchio
The Italian sharpshooter had been something of a mystery to fans and media alike, as there had not been an official introduction of him since his signing, as he was competing with Italy at EuroBasket.
So Monday’s media day session proved very revealing. He’s a guy now in his late 20s who’s dreamed for years of playing in the NBA, but had never gotten particularly close before. So this is a big deal for him.
“Signing with the Jazz, that was unbelievable — it felt like a dream come true,” he said. “I always wanted to become an NBA player, since I grew up. It’s been a long journey. Now I’m 26, almost 27, and sometimes this dream felt a little bit far [away]. Right now, I’m so happy and so excited to be here.”
As a 26- going on 27-year-old, he also won’t be a typical rookie. While he’ll no doubt have his share of “Welcome to the NBA moments,” he also will bring a unique maturity, one stemming from becoming familiar with the burden of familial responsibility.
“Becoming a dad was a huge change in my personal life,” Fontecchio said. “… I feel like I had to grow up in a minute, because all of a sudden, you have a huge responsibility — you have a human life in your hands.”
His daughter, Bianca, is now 3 years old.
Free, open scrimmage for the public
Want to get an early look at this team beyond what you can see on TV in this weekend’s preseason games? The team will hold a free Open Scrimmage on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m. at Vivint Arena.
No tickets are required, and seating will be general admission. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Complimentary parking will be offered at Park Place, located northeast of the main arena entrance.
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