Still, you know things are good in Provo when a 10-3 record is considered a disappointment.

4. Real Salt Lake: Much ado (but not the Freddie kind) about new pad and playoffs

Media outlets did large specials and sections with big photos, nice graphics, feature stories and tons of info all aimed at accomplishing the same — pardon the soccer pun — goal. Which was, of course, trying to figure out and then explain to sports fans and still-confused taxpayers just exactly what in the world a "Rio Tinto" was, why its name was being put up on the fancy, new stadium for Real Sandy, er, Salt Lake, and just what is offsides again?

(FYI, Rio Tinto, turns out, apparently is Spanish for "Owners of that big hole in the Oquirrh Mountains and other global ventures.")

After years of political turmoil, public debate and oodles of cash, RSL finally got a palace to call home. As a bonus to their sparkling new pitch, Real even managed to not finish in a tie in just enough games to make its first playoff appearance. As a bonus to the bonus, RSL won the first postseason game in the franchise's four-year history in dramatic fashion and eventually made it to the Western (Sorta) Conference Finals. That's when a team that has had more success at Rio Tinto Stadium than RSL — that'd be the New York Red Bulls — beat them there for the second time in a month.

5. Larry H. Miller: Fights for life, hands CEO keys over to son

In June, Larry H. Miller was hospitalized. Two months later, the Jazz owner revealed just how serious his health issues were.

During a 59-day stay in the hospital, Miller almost died four times from what he described as a "serious heart attack" and other type 2 diabetes-related ailments. He called it "the most physically challenging time of my life," even hinting that he was the recipient of a miracle after his damaged kidneys suddenly healed.

In order to focus on his health, his family and a happy future, the 64-year-old Miller passed on the responsibilities of the Jazz and his business empire to his oldest son, Greg.

The elder Miller's presence has been limited at Jazz games this season. The fresh-faced new boss on the block, meanwhile, has been much more visible around EnergySolutions Arena while he learns the tricks of his recuperating father's trade.

6. Jerry Sloan: Greatest NBA coach to ever win 1,000 games with one team since 1988

Jerry Sloan probably isn't too terribly sad to see 2008 hit his tractor's rearview mirror.