Not even falling 10 or so spots to the Jazz, an attitude that could help him make a good first playing impression with Jazz coaches and fans.

"I'm just here to work hard, be the best player I can be on and off the court," Koufos said. "I'm going to soak up as much information as possible, play within the system and ... contribute. I'm going to do all it takes to win and also enjoy it at the same time."

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The rookie's numbers

Kosta Koufos
Ohio State Buckeyes
Center
7-0, 265
Born: Feb. 24, 1989
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Fab Freshman
2007-08, Ohio State
Games: 37
Games started: 35
Points: 14.4 ppg
Rebounds: 6.7 rpg
Blocks: 1.8 bpg
FGs: .508
3-pt FGs: .349
FTs: .680

Honors: Third team All-Big Ten; Big Ten All-Freshman; Postseason NIT MVP; U18 Euro Championship MVP; McDonald's All-American

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E-mail: jody@desnews.com