Section B·Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Tuesday, January 27, 1998
Vaughn, Ostertag working together to make it in the NBA
Continued from page 1B
In this circus that Air Jordan built, Ostertag and Vaughn handle the janitorial duties. Ostertag starts but amounts to little in the flow of the game, and Vaughn spends his time on the bench as the third-string point guard.
These days seem worlds apart from college days when they
were the kings of Alle Field House. Both work daily to adjust to the athleticism of the league to achieve success down the road.
"This is a test of our abilities to succeed at
the highest level," Vaughn said.
"It's mostly a test of your mental abilities, and I think Greg and I can both win that test in the end."
The jazz selected Vaughn as the second-to-last pick in the first round of last spring's draft, and he put in consistent minutes earlier in the season when Stockton was injured.
He did not play Sunday and has had trouble shooting thus far, hitting only 37 percent of his field goal attempts while playing in 26 of 42 games. Despite these problems, the
coaching staff has long range plans for his skills.
"Jacque can really push the ball up the court in a hurry." Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "He works really hard and should be a key to our future as his jump shot progresses."
Vaughn said that he was frustrated sitting on the bench but that learning from players
third season in the league. He signed a six-year, $39 million contract this summer after an impressive run last spring that helped vault the Jazz into the NBA finals.
such as Stockton and Jeff Hornacek would help in the long run.
"I watch how those guys act and react every day," Vaughn said. "Watching their professionalism and skill level can only help my game."
Vaughn said that having Ostertag around had helped his ascension into the professional game.
After signing the contract, Ostertag arrived at training camp out-of-shape and was roasted publicly by teammate Karl Malone for his lack of work
ethic. Ostertag said he had
"It's nice having somebody you've known forever to talk to," Vaughn said. "Greg and I have helped each other through the tough times."
While Vaughn struggles through his rookie season, Ostertag labors through his
worked hard in the months since training camp to regain his form.
"At the beginning of the season, that wasn't Greg Ostertag out there." Ostertag said jokingly. "That was my evil twin. I was kidnapped by aliens, and they ran a whole bunch of crazy tests on me. Now, I'm back."
But Ostertag's new form failed him Sunday. He played most of the game but spent it strolling up and down the court when not being dunked on by Jordan on three separate occasions.
He managed just three field goal attempts, two free-throw attempts and seven rebounds during 39 minutes but collected four personal fouls.
"I have improved, but I still have a long way to go." Ostergay
"At the beginning of the season, that wasn't Greg Ostertag out there."
Greg Ostertag
Utah center
said after the game:
“There are still tough days for me,
but I know I'll reach my goal,
which is to be considered one of the best players in the league.”
Both Ostertag and Vaughn agree there is a great deal of work to be done, but Vaughn said that in the end, their desire to succeed would vault
them to victory.
"I had a goal in college to graduate and win as many games as possible," he said. "I accomplished a great deal at KU, but now I have set a goal to start at point guard for a championship team, and I think Greg could be the center on that team. It's just going to take patience and work."
Jacque Vaughn, Ulmus Jazz guard, stands as the national anthem is played. Photo by Steve Pupke / KANSAN
Ostertag and Vaughn are starting at the bottom, but they plan to work their way up to center stage in Michael Jordan's circus. Until then, the Jayhawk pair will dream about the day that Ostertag and Vaughn are mentioned in the same breath as Jordan and Pippen or Stockton and Malone.
Top: Greg Ostertag, Utah Jazz center, fights to position himself for a rebound against Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls forward. Ostertag grabbed seven rebounds during Sunday's 101-94 victory in the United Center.
Bottom: Utah Jazz center Greg Ostertag races Chicago Bulls center Luc Longley for a loose ball. Photos by Steve Puppe/KANSAN
Jacque Vaughn and Greg Ostertag stretch out. Ostertag is finishing his third season in the league while Vaughn is working on his rookie season. Photo by Steve Puppe/KANSAN
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