<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Even before training camp began this month for the Jazz, Jerry Sloan had a worry or two. Wednesday night, in Utah's third game of the preseason, those worst fears were realized. "This is the thing that scares me about this team, and it has since the beginning: Are we tough enough to compete and play?" Sloan asked after the Jazz fell to Phoenix 108-67. The Jazz coach was more than a bit miffed after watching the Suns, undefeated so far in the preseason at 4-0, clobber his now 2-1 club every which way including loose. "They beat us about every way you can, right from the beginning," Sloan said. "We couldn't make layups, we couldn't make free throws, we couldn't do anything. They just dominated us." Sloan seems worried less about anything physical than about the mental toughness of a team that has only two roster regulars (Matt Harpring and Raja Bell) who have played more than three seasons in the NBA. "There's gonna be a lot of times things aren't gonna go our way, but you've got to stay with it and be tough enough mentally to hang in there," said Sloan, whose team plays its final preseason home game at 7 tonight against Sacramento in the Delta Center. "We weren't tough enough in any area (Wednesday) night, and that's a huge concern." The Jazz did not play four regulars Wednesday night, but both Bell (groin strain) and Harpring (knee surgery) are expected to be available against the Kings. Jarron Collins (sprained wrist) and Raul Lopez (rehabbing weak leg muscles) both will sit out tonight, and free agent Jason Miskiri (lower-back sprain) is doubtful.</div> Source
It's hard to please Sloan, no matter how good a team is playing he will find something to work on. He has huge expectations, and is serious about reaching them. He will have these issues fixed before the start of the season, because he will make everyone work hard. But by then he will have found something else to work on. If your playing under Sloan you will be playing tough every game, and I don't think this issue will stay around long.
This what makes Coach Sloan the best Coach in the NBA, he is never satisfied. The other day when the Jazz scored 60+ points in a half, can't remember which preseason game, he couldn't compliment the offensive without critizing the defense. Its just amazing how he is always looking for a way to make the team better and how he knows what everyone's potential is and how he can get that and alittle bit more out of each guy. I really think if the Jazz won the NBA Championship, he would be looking to next season to see how the team could be better than that one. Thats just Jerry Sloan and I am glad he is coaching the Utah Jazz.
