Utah Jazz reveal roster for Revue

Utah basketball fans eager to get a first look at rookie-to-be Kosta Koufos and who want to check out the progress of second-year players Morris Almond and Kyrylo Fesenko will soon get their chance.

Spectators will even be able to see former Ute Britton Johnsen, ex-Los Angeles Clippers forward Yaroslav Korolev and previous Jazz camp attendees Hiram Fuller and Kevin Lyde play with Utah's squad at the upcoming Rocky Mountain Revue.

Those hoping to catch C.J. Miles in action, however, should probably find another way to spend $10. The Jazz guard, who was recently tendered a qualifying offer from Utah but hasn't accepted it, was not listed among the 17 players who will make up the team's summer league entry.

It's much like last year, when Miles didn't participate in the Revue while his agent tried to land a bigger contract than the one the Jazz offered. That decision didn't exactly sit well with Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and management.

Miles could not be reached for comment through his agent Friday night, but he defended his decision to sit out last year's summer league the day after the Jazz's season-ending playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in May. For one thing, he didn't want to risk an injury, so he listened to his agent's advice to sit out the Revue.

"You always get better from playing," Miles said. "I wanted to play last year, but it was the point 'not having a contract.' With everything that was going on, it was not in my best interest to go play."

Miles ended up signing a one-year deal with the Jazz before the season started but after the Revue. After a slow start, he averaged 5.0 points in 60 games and even started 13 times.

The Jazz made him a restricted free agent last month so they could decide whether or not to match any potential offers he receives. The only team that has reportedly shown interest during this free-agency period is Detroit, but that appears to be limited, based on Michigan newspaper reports.

Utah's players will report to the Jazz's summer-league camp on Monday at the Zions Bank Basketball Center. The team will practice through Thursday and then open Revue action Friday night at 7 against the San Antonio Spurs' squad.

Also on the Jazz roster: Utah Flash players Kevin Kruger and Brian Jackson, along with Tyrone Brazleton, Earl Calloway, Russell Carter, Mike Efevberha, Brian Greene, Leemire Goldwire, Rickey Paulding and Haminn Quaintance.

Other teams participating include Atlanta, New Jersey, Dallas, a collection of D-League All-Stars and the Iranian Olympic squad, which won the FIBA Asian championship.

The Revue runs from July 18-25 at Salt Lake Community College's Lifetime Activities Center. Tickets are $10 for the public and $8 for SLCC students and staff.

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E-mail: jody@desnews.com

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