Rick spent 30 about minutes on the major sports radio station (1050 am) in the San Francisco Bay Area yesterday talking about the 1999 Utes, youngsters going to the NBA, freshman ineligibility, the NBA draft, and coaching at Utah.

Rick was in top form--his opening comment was "brother in Utah means something entirely different that brother in California" Many of his views I have heard before and I'm sure you diehards have heard as well. But I did hear some new comments and I will paraphrase some of it.

about Van Horn: Keith has a big decision coming up next year. He can stay with the Nets and sign a contract for around 80 million or he can go somewhere else and sign a contract for around 65 million. I talked to Keith on the phone yesterday and told him he should stay in New Jersey because the Utes need a new locker room.

about Andre: Andre has done workouts for Chicago, Clevland, Golden State, Toronto and Charlotte. I talked with Andre and he told me that he liked Golden State the best. He likes the area, he likes the coaching staff, and he likes the organization. I have it on my to do list to call PJ Carlesimo this week and tell him that Andre would be a great fit for Golden State. He can make three passes better than the other gaurds in the draft. He can feed the low post, he can pick and roll, and he can drive and kick. In addition, he is an extremely coachable kid. I guarantee you that PJ couldn't yell at him more than I did. He would make Golden State a better team and would be a great fit.

I for one hope that Andre goes to Golden State. It would keep him close to his mom and would give me the opportunity to watch him play every night...Live. Me and my other die hard ute fans in the Bay (there are many) already have plans to get season tix if the Warriors get Andre. I still remember watching the first game Andre played as a Ute. It was in the Huntsman center, and if memory serves correctly, Rick put him in with about 5 minutes left in the first half. Andre's first move was driving into the lane at full speed, doing a full 360, and laying the ball in. Right then I new the kid was $$, and Andre became my favorite Ute. Some moron behind me kept yelling "put Rydalch in"--obviously a Utah native more familiar with Ward hoops that a winning program.

What was your 1st impression of Andre? (Don't answer if it was put Rydalch back in)

Excellent report....It's too bad the SLC fans could not have heard the broadcast....Majerus was at his best....and as he noted the Bay Area is the best place in the country in his mind...even though it is more of a pro setting than college setting....

Other comments he made worth repeating was Hanno is "soft"....like most Euro players and must get tougher....Also said Alex Jensen is best defender he has ever coached.....Jensen has played defense against 24 lottery picks in his career....holding Carter of UNC to 11 points...but feels Courtney Alexander of Fresno St. is the best player he has ever defended.....This is according to Jensen...

One final point....by no stretch of the imagination is "The Ticket" (1050-KCET) the leading Bay Area sports station....As you well know it is their sister station KNBR - 650..."The Sports Leader"....and home station of the Warriors and Giants who easily wear that moniker....

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