Deseret News | Utah Jazz: Altitude, OJ disagree with former BYU star during Jazz workout

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Utah Jazz: Altitude, OJ disagree with former BYU star during Jazz workout

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Some Facts | 9:03 p.m. June 24, 2008

1. Harmon is a BYU homer but his articles are always interesting as he always tries to bring out some personal/human element - even if it is about puking OJ.

2. Plaisted is as ready now as he would be after another season on a team that will be geared to shooting the three.

3. He will make some nice money for 5-6 years playing somewhere - so what if he isn't first round material?

4. He gave BYU 4 good years and got his degree. Any BYU fans who now feel they need to rip him are idiots.

5. As a BYU fan, I still enjoy following the pro careers of ex-Utes and Aggies. Not sure why there is so much hatered toward the players rather than just rooting for your freakin' team.

6. Negative comments about Trent's wife are idiotic - but I do remember the DN and Trib making it front page for a while. That was a poor news editorial decision on both parts.

7. The vast majority of D-1 players don't even realistically consider a pro career of any kind. Trent has a shot at a decent one. I don't get the criticism out there.

Facts? | 9:15 p.m. June 24, 2008

You might want to check "fact number 4". He has a degree? Leaving early? como

BTW- I go to BYU and I'm a basketball season ticket holder

Realist | 10:08 p.m. June 24, 2008

Trent is 2 credits short of an Economics degree to set the record straight. He helped bring home two conference championships. He led the team in rebounding and averaged 15 points a game. Come on folks. Let's give him a break. It's exciting anytime any player from Utah gets a chance to be drafted. Personally I think the last thing in the world that Trent and his wife would want would be to stay in Utah and continue to receive the ridicule he has been given when he helped bring BYU two championships. Give the kid a break..........go after someone else like Kobe.

Comments continue below

RE: True BYU | 12:12 a.m. June 25, 2008

Come on--take off your mask, my friend. You're really a Ute/Aggie fan pretending to be a Cougar and trying to make BYU fans look like a bunch of whining crybabies.

Then again, maybe you're NOT. You might be one of the many reasons I stopped calling myself a "BYU fan" years ago. Sure, I still love it when the Cougs win. But people who preach about not judging others in church but then go out and do it all the time in the stands or on comment boards scare me.

So Plaisted's gone. Big whoop. So--reading between the lines--he didn't impress the Jazz. Oh, well. He'll most likely enjoy a long career of European ball, and I sincerely wish him the best there. It's his choice and his life. Maybe it's even what he's meant to do. But people who cast stones after him say more about themselves than about him.

So whoever and whatever you are, "True BYU"--you can stop doing your part in making BYU look bad. Whenever you're darn good and ready, bud.

Cold, Hard Reality | 12:12 a.m. June 25, 2008

My favorite line: "He spent only one weekend with his wife in more than two weeks." One weekend in more than two weeks? Welcome to the real world--some of us have to work for a living--have to travel for our jobs and sometimes don't get to see our families for *GASP* several days on end. How is Plaisted spending "only one weekend" with his wife in the past two weeks newsworthy?

This "article" has made us all dumber for having read it. Oh, and Trent got WORKED by the Jazz training staff. There is no way he could keep up here. Don't want to work? Maybe Denver IS the team for you.

RE: Facts? | 12:24 a.m. June 25, 2008

Trent did play only 3 years, but he is nearly done with his degree. Not all athletes are "dumb jocks," ya know. The man worked ahead.

Plaisted haters: Chill. What good does it do to have sour grapes (BYU people) or twist the knife (non-Cougars)? He's gone, wherever he's going. And you people who insist on bashing his wife have no class. Flat-out no class. She didn't let you down on the basketball court and her medical problems never were any of your darn business. Leave her alone and stop acting like jerks, hoodlums and spoiled children.

SO GLAD I don't live in Utah anymore. How can you people keep on living with all that poison you generate for yourselves and each other?

Re fact #4 | 12:40 a.m. June 25, 2008

He stayed at BYU 4 years. Played 3 and redshirted one. Some RMs give what - 8 or 9 good years of their lives to BYU? The kid earned 2 MWC titles, 3 all-conference awards, and gave the fans a lot of good moments. We should all be happy for him and pulling for him to do well.

Anonymous | 1:07 a.m. June 25, 2008

I travel for two weeks to california and Arizona from and then I am home to utah for one week. I work out every weekday and I do not lose my adjustment to the altitude. That was a weak excuse Plaisted.

Altitude adjustment? | 1:57 a.m. June 25, 2008

isn't that's what the nba is about? traveling to different places and playing your butts off? maybe that's why the jazz did so bad on road games...the altitude adjustment.

Luke Staley | 7:18 a.m. June 25, 2008

I do need a few good reps to sell cell phones. Trent will be up an running before the Christmas rush!

zoobie | 7:33 a.m. June 25, 2008

come on kewgars. stop defending trent playsteed. He comes to an NBA workout in the state he has been playing in the last few years and he comes up with a bunch of excuses. Is that what they teach you at the Y, excuses? Blame the other guy? altitude? Orange juice? Anything but, "I really just sucked it up!" typical kewgar mentality

No way | 7:42 a.m. June 25, 2008

If Travis Hansen didn't make it in the NBA there is no way Plaisted will. I watched both at BYU and Hansen is could play center better than Plaisted. He is a much more gifted athlete. I am six foot and could stop Plaisted from going left, left, and then left.

sob | 8:04 a.m. June 25, 2008

one of the jazz assistants said between the lines yesterday
will he be available at (? the jazz second round pick position) yes
will we take him, not likely

Zoobie | 8:17 a.m. June 25, 2008

Trent did not go on a mission? If this is the case then BYU probably asked him not to so that no one else would recruit him while he is on his mission. After all we all know how the Y feels about recruiting missionaries.....OPEN SEASON!!

Zoobie 56 | 8:16 a.m. June 25, 2008

No one seems to be more aware of Plaisted's weaknesses than Plaisted himself. I guess he's got things figured out without reading all the genius hate posts. Apparently the guy just wants to play pro basketball somewhere. Yes, haters, it may be in Europe or somewhere else. RE: Troutman Do you think most BYU fans don't wish the "Y" had offered Carroll a scholarship? It wasn't our decision to snub him, but was a poor move by our b-ball coaches. I'm sure they are now aware of the blunder.

Jdog | 9:17 a.m. June 25, 2008

I love people talking about all BYU fans. Honestly, many of my "BYU" friends are happy to see Plaisted leave. As far as the NBA is concerned. Whatever!

Malt | 9:21 a.m. June 25, 2008

Trent was a good player for BYU. There is a possibility that he will make a professional roster somewhere. And even if it is in Europe, he's still getting paid to play basketball.

Typical Zoob... | 9:45 a.m. June 25, 2008

Must think of some excuse for the poor decision to leave early

BYU Cutie | 9:53 a.m. June 25, 2008

We love ya Trent. You took it to the MWC and gave us some good games against some big name ranked teams. You'll be making money playing basketball while your critics with their inferiority complex continue to spew hate. Who cares! That happens when you are one of many reasons BYU is better than the Zooties. Yeah, we can make up stereotype words, too.

Definition of Zootie = No real meaning, just means every thing Ute. Ugly behavior, ugly personality, ugly performance. All around ugly.

Okay, made up name calling is really just childish, isn't it? Just showing you what you look like when you spout off a gibberish word like, Zootie, Zoobie, or whatever.

Anonymous | 10:01 a.m. June 25, 2008

please dont pick up plaisted. he will be exactly like the last byu center that now plays in europe. pick up a real center

The last great BYU NBA star | 10:30 a.m. June 25, 2008

Can someone name a BYU star since Danny Ainge, who has had an impact in the NBA?

BYU fans continue to state the greatness of their program but it fails to produce NBA talent. Maybe Plaisted can overcome this an make it an NBA roster and be an impact player.

Zoolander | 10:50 a.m. June 25, 2008

From the Trib...Trents poor performances, the games when he looked discombobulated, as though he were attempting to catch and shoot the ball with his kneecaps and elbows, butchered his confidence. His bright ones, when he stuffed 21 points and 12 rebounds on Louisville and 24 points and 17 boards on North Carolina, expectations that already were too high, bringing premature speculation about an NBA career waiting in the future. i.e. When Trent thinks the "Right People" are watching he ups his game. You'll also notice that when the rest of the BYU team was warming up, Trent had the attitude he was too good. Everything Rose did for him was Hype.
Speaking of premature, that future is suddenly - probably too suddenly - now.
Plaisted, who bolted for the pros after his recently completed junior season, entering the NBA Draft, looks pretty much the same as he did for those years at BYU. He's tall(officially 5'9" not the HYPED 7' Rose did), he's strong, he's athletic, he's raw(like my Dad that plays church ball) - which is a euphemism for not ready - and he's an enigma.

Shawn Bradley | 11:17 a.m. June 25, 2008

Shawn Bradley had a great NBA career. Any other questions?

Zewbie | 11:20 a.m. June 25, 2008

Hey BYU Cutie,

I doubt that. Zoobie is a well established nick name for you Y freaks. It is a very fun name to use on you types and as I can tell is working at getting under your skin. You can use a ute nickname but come up with something that is original and works. you will know if it works when others start to use it too. Remember, original is the key here.

Zewbie out!!

Re: The last great BYU NBA star | 11:20 a.m. June 25, 2008

You are correct that nobody since Danny Ainge has been an NBA star. But as far as having an impact - anyone who plays in NBA games and makes money for a period of years doing it, has an impact. This would include Andy Toolson, Shawn Bradley, Arujo. Mike Smith played with Boston for two years. I have probably forgotten another NBA player or two who stuck for multiple years since Danny Ainge.

Some people might give notice to Kansas star Scott Pollard who became an impact player for Sacramento and had a huge impace in the playoffs. His brother Carl Pollard played for one BYU for one year. I know we're stretching it pretty thin here at this point, for a post-Ainge BYU connection having a big NBA impact.

But as far as being an NBA star or having a major impact - nobody from BYU since Danny Ainge. Not even close.

Ronnie Price | 11:22 a.m. June 25, 2008

I have a question. How many former "y" players are in the NBA? and how many former Utah Valley players are in the NBA? I think the lesser of the two teams has more and they have a bigtime senior next year. Plaisted will be playing in Utah County but he'll be playing in the same arena as the best college player in Utah. Hopefully Trent you can not get drafted and pick the NBA team you can tryout for and have a better chance of making that teams NBDL team.

Mr. Me | 11:29 a.m. June 25, 2008

I can't believe trent has the possibility of going pro. I play pick up with Plaid (that's his court name) every so often and I take it to him every time, 1 hand jam, 2 hand jam, you name it. He is very soft defensivly.

Now he did just about tear my hand off when I blocked one of his 3 ft straight line bricks. I will give him that.

If I can hang with this kid and I am a washed old man then what business does he have trying to get into the NBA. I hope the jazz do not waste a pick on him.

Don't get me wrong he is a nice kid and all.

ha | 11:51 a.m. June 25, 2008

I thought they meant OJ Mayo, ha. Yawn.

Tim Tomly | 11:53 a.m. June 25, 2008

Drink Water Trent...O.J. will kill you...

MrIntuition | 11:59 a.m. June 25, 2008

Poor work ethic (he's clearly out of shape...how does that happen days before the draft?), lots of things need improvement, too small to be much of a force at center -- no way the Jazz will take him. He'll be lucky to get drafted at all. Self-sabotage?

Voice of Support | 12:36 p.m. June 25, 2008

I never accept a free newspaper, because I get exactly what I pay for. This experience that rivals a free newspaper (pay attention Desnews).

It is clear that NONE of these comments are from individuals who have EVER been in the same situation--as an impact player in any Division 1 college league.

Obviously none on this board have EVER been given a workout at an NBA-level organization.

I doubt, from the grammar, spelling and punctuation, if most have successfully participated in college.

I have little respect, or appreciation for those who find it easy to tear others down to their level, while hiding behind anonymity. Good-bye desnews.

Congratulations Trent, on reaching this great milestone. I appreciate your demonstration of hard-work and the commitment to excellence in yourself. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

What? | 1:17 p.m. June 25, 2008

to Voice of Support?

Who are you?, since you dont want to "hide behind anonymity"?

Hypocrite!, hows that for puctuasion and speling!

Confucius or Kikkergard | 1:35 p.m. June 25, 2008

Trent seems like a nice enough guy and had a good college career. It's too bad he may be in over his head.

I believe it was Confucius or Kikkergard who said:

He who hacks at high altitude
Will not hack it in the NBA

He who up-chucks oj and excuses
Will not chuck up jump shots

He who sells Buicks on the court
Will never drive an Escalade

geezer | 1:37 p.m. June 25, 2008

Hey Voice of Support chill out a little. There is obviously a lot of trash talk on these posts. Do we have to have NBA experience to have an opinion about Plaisted? He's been fun to watch the last few years if you're a Cougar fan. He's been polished with the press and seems to be a good guy. He was a good recruit for BYU. Personally I think all the professional opportunity he'll receive would have been available next year. He may have been a higher draft choice had he performed well his senior year. It's Plaisted's life, and I wish him the best.

RE: Voice of Support | 1:51 p.m. June 25, 2008

AMEN.

A few voices of reason aside, most DesNews comment-board posters--especially on BYU and Utah sports stories--are a bunch of whining weenies, with little obvious intelligence but lots of trash talk. They can't spell, but they can certainly shoot off their mouths. If they've been to college ANYWHERE, they've obviously slept through it. I'm far from impressed.

"What?", don't you have better things to do with your life--if you have one? I didn't think so.

Good luck, Trent. If comments on this board in any way resemble your experience with sports in Utah--no wonder you didn't let the door hit you on the way out!

Jazz Fan | 1:57 p.m. June 25, 2008

Please resist the temptation to draft this guy in any round. If we need an underperforming BYU guy who is willing to work hard for a spot on the bench bring Araujo back,at least he was fun to watch, this guy is chloroform in a uniform.

What? | 2:03 p.m. June 25, 2008

Nice one Voice of Support, go ahead and amen yourself... very clever!

to what? Amen
to geezer? amen and hallalujah

yeah i like this!!

News Flash to "What?" | 2:10 p.m. June 25, 2008

Guess what, my friend--"Voice of Support" didn't AMEN himself/herself. I didn't write that post.

News Flash to ya, "What?": Intelligent and reasonable people can actually agree that what the rest of you do here is classless and stupid.

You'll excuse me if I don't respond to the rest of your comment--I have no idea what you said. A writing class might be in order for ya.

Re: The Last Great... | 2:28 p.m. June 25, 2008

"BYU fans continue to state the greatness of their program"

A new era has begun. BYU has owned Utah the last two years, and with Boilin' at the Utah helm and Rose leading the Cougars, that trend will continue.

Poor Guy | 2:40 p.m. June 25, 2008

Can't even work out for the local team without losing his cookies. Does he know he's have to travel all around the country and play if he gets into the league?

What? | 3:11 p.m. June 25, 2008

to "News Flash to "What?"", "Voice of Support" or whatever your name is/are:

1. You don't know if your are "himself/herself"? Sounds like you have bigger issues than name identification.

2. You say posting these comments are "Classless and stupid" yet you do it? That shows more confusion or hypocricy on your side. You must be an angry byzoo fan.

3. You are not excused! Get an idea.

4. Trent is not NBA materail, but he enters the NBA draft. That is what we are talking about here. He should have stayed at the Y for another year and then tried to go pro. He could have polished up his game to get a better chance at actually getting drafted!!

prc | 3:16 p.m. June 25, 2008

luke neville may have dominated Plaisted but the yewts haven won in a while. Is Plaisted ready for the NBA? Who knows. And don't delieve everything you hear from the scouts and directors of player personel. A lot of smoke screens go up this time of year.
As for luke neville, if he doesn't get it together this year, he may be un-drafted. I'm sure big Jim B. and the rest of yewtdom are tired of waiting for this lazy giant to come around.

What? | 3:18 p.m. June 25, 2008

Trent is not NBA material, but he enters the NBA draft. That is what we are talking about here. He should have stayed at the Y for another year and then tried to go pro. He could have polished up his game to get a better chance at actually getting drafted!!

To "News Flash to "What?"", "Voice of Support" or whatever your name is/are:

1. You don't know if your are "himself/herself"? Sounds like you have bigger issues than name identification.

2. You say posting these comments are "Classless and stupid" yet you do it? That shows more confusion or hypocricy on your side. You must be an angry byzoo fan.

3. You are not excused! Get an idea!!

Plaisted has a brain | 4:32 p.m. June 25, 2008

Trent will get drafted by the NBA. Would his draft position be better after another year at BYU? Maybe. My guess is not really.

Simple economics here. One year of payment in the NBA sooner rather than one more year of no pay. Hmmm!

Simple physics. The body can only take so much beating.

Simple Conclusion: why risk increasing your stock (Which is unlikely), lose a years pay, and risk injury at the college level which could end your chance of even starting into a paying career.

Thought this was a no-brainer, but after reading comments here. Maybe not. Props to Plaisted for using his brain in making the right decision.

Moral Equivalency | 5:24 p.m. June 25, 2008

RE: Voice of Support

If you are saying only those who played D-I ball can comment on Plaisted situationï¿½then the DN needs to fire any sports staff who never played college sports because they are writing stories that are sometimes critical of players.

With your logic it will be hard to criticize GOP primary winner Jason Chaffetz unless you are: a former D-I football kicker, owned a business and ran a governors campaign.

The beauty of the posting board is the reactions (good and bad) the DN gets from readers. I really enjoy hearing the insights of the other readersï¿½even yours.

Plaisted is not an NBA starter. He might make it on a team as a backup player but there is nothing showing in his game at the moment to think otherwise. Good luck to him though in this endeavor.

ROFL | 7:08 p.m. June 25, 2008

All of you guys are busting me up big time. You should all start thinking about becoming stand-up comics!!!

Especially those that think he's just good enough for the 'D' league!!!!!!!!!

Re: Larry Holmes | 7:30 p.m. June 25, 2008

I agree that when we criticize others we are only looking in a mirror and enumerating our own weaknesses. When I look in the mirror I see a tallish, lurpy guy with no basketball moves and a shot release that makes me play a foot shorter than I am. Ahhhh, Trent and I have so much in common.

RE: What? | 12:06 a.m. June 26, 2008

Um, yeah. You seem more interested in shooting off your mouth rather than trying to read or understand what other people write.

So read my post, bud. "Himself/herself" refers to "Voice of Support"--since I HAVE NO IDEA WHO THAT IS. I repeat for your benefit: I AM A DIFFERENT POSTER who happens to largely agree with "Voice of Support."

I'm not sure why it's so hard for you to comprehend that other people might actually agree with a well-made point--but I'll forgo the temptation to speculate. And no, I'm no BYU fan.

"Classless and stupid" is fully appropriate for the sort of "Turn on mouth, turn off brain" exchanges that usually go on on these comment boards. "What?", you're a great case in point! I stand by my original comments, since I attempted to read what I could understand of your post and comment fairly (though critically). No "hypocrisy" about that at all.

That said--I do agree Plaisted isn't NBA material, now or ever. That's sad. Bashing him accomplishes nothing aside, from making US look like the true idiots. Making ill-founded assumptions about others' comments without really reading them does the same thing.

BYU former pros | 10:57 a.m. June 26, 2008

Greg Kite?

Dios | 11:32 a.m. June 26, 2008

none of this matters.

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