By MATT KARPOWITZ
The Utah Jazz have a Kansas connection.
Two of their last three first round draft picks have come from the University of Kansas. Greg Ostertag was taken in the 1995 draft as the 28th pick overall. Jacque Vaughn was selected in the 1997 draft and was also the 28th pick. Both played for four years under Head Coach Roy Williams at Kansas. Now both are hoping to take the place of Jazz legends, Mark Eaton at center and John Stockton at point guard.
Vaughn and Ostertag played together for two years at Kansas. Vaughn was a four year starter for the Jayhawks and his first two years were Ostertag's final two seasons in college.
'It brings back old memories,' said Ostertag. 'I think I know what he's going to do on the court. He know what things I want to do and that's the advantage of playing together for two years at Kansas.'
Vaughn agrees. 'I understand his personality,' the 6'1' rookie said. 'I understand what kind of person he is and I think that comes from getting to know each other at Kansas. It's helpful to both of us.'
Both former Jayhawks think about the time they spent in Kansas and the things they were able to learn. They try to stay in contact with Williams and follow how the successes of the current team.
'Every once in a while we talk to Roy,' Ostertag said. 'He came down and watched us when we played in San Antonio. Unless Jacque makes the rookie All-Star team, we're going to go back for a 100th anniversary celebration at KU.'
Because his experience is so recent, Vaughn talks with great pride about Kansas. 'For me, it is a part of my past that I don't want to forget,' Vaughn said. 'When you go to the University of Kansas, there's a certain tradition and pride. You know when you leave that you're still a part of a family.'
Vaughn thinks this year's Kansas Jayhawks have an advantage that last years team was missing. 'The good thing for the Jayhawks is that I don't think they have the pressure on them that they had in the past,' said Vaughn. 'That will definitely help them.'
'This will be a good year for them because they are not expected to win it all,' agrees Ostertag. 'There's not that weight on their shoulders. They're a good team and people expect them to do well, but I don't know if anyone expects them to win it all because they lost four starters from last year.'
But perhaps the most important thing now for Ostertag and Vaughn is helping the Jazz do well. After a solid sophomore season, Ostertag is struggling this year. He signed a six-year contract extension in September and has been trying to get on track.
'For some reason I haven't been able to really figure out what anyone's going to do on the basketball court yet,' said Ostertag, who heard boos from the crowd at the Delta Center on Saturday night.
Vaughn knows the best thing for the 7'2' center may not happen on the court. 'I'm definitely confident that things are going to turn around for him,' said Vaughn. 'I know his capabilities and I know the things he can do. I just think he needs to stay positive. The best thing I can do for Greg right now is to be his friend. When you're doing well everyone's your friend. But when you're struggling and everyone knows it, you find out who really supports you.'
Regardless of either player's future with the Jazz, they both know they've made a strong impression at the University of Kansas.
'Roy hasn't asked me to give any tips yet,' Ostertag joked. 'I don't think he trusts me.'