Utah Jazz: Another Russian, Jayhawks' Kaun, works out for Jazz

His introduction to America came at a much-younger age than that of his much-more famous countryman, Jazz starting small forward Andrei Kirilenko.

Sasha Kaun, in fact, was a mere high school sophomore when he first came to the United States from Russia.

It was a tough transition, as he needed three months to learn fundamentals of the English language.

"But after that, I kind of started picking up a little bit more," said Kaun, who attended Florida Air Academy high school in Melbourne, Fla. "I'm still learning ... and it's been seven years."

And now, having finished his senior season at the University of Kansas, Kaun is ready to follow in the footsteps of Kirilenko, who just completed his seventh NBA season.

The 6-foot-11 (6-9 without shoes), 247-pounder worked out Wednesday for the Jazz in advance of the June 26 NBA Draft, along with fellow bigs DeVon Hardin of Cal, Aussie Nathan Jawai and Brian Butch of Wisconsin, and point guards Tyrone Brazelton of Western Kentucky and Mike Green of Butler.

What helps to separate him, Kaun hopes, will be winning ways honed with the 2008 NCAA-champion Jayhawks.

"Winning a national championship is a big thing," said Kaun, who averaged 7.1 points and 3.9 rebounds as a senior. "(Pro) teams like that ... the attitude, and that you've been in a positive, winning program."

The 23-year-old Kaun has never met Kirilenko but hopes to do so while trying out later this summer for Russia's Olympic Games-bound national club.

He has a shot at making the team, and if he does it could boost his chances of playing in the NBA.

Kaun — regarded by many as a possible second-round draft selection — has admitted limitations and hopes to find a fit that will help him stick.

He started 57-of-68 games during his sophomore and junior seasons, but only 6-of-40 as a senior at Kansas.

"I'm not the most-skilled guy," Kaun said, "but I feed off hustle plays, rebounds, just running stuff and playing hard.

"Right now," he added, "my offense needs a lot of improvement, and that's something I'm definitely looking forward to working on when I get to the pro level."

HIGH ALTITUDE: A potential late first-round pick, Hardin huffed and puffed a bit following the workout — as many who come to Utah do.

Asked what he knows about the Jazz organization, Hardin said jokingly, "I know it's 4,500 feet above sea level."