Post by bballfan72031 on Jan 16, 2006 0:25:18 GMT -5
Jazz, Skillz to retire after season
Sunday afternoon, Nike forward Jazz and AND1 guard Fresh Skillz officially announced their retirement, which will come into affect after the upcoming season.
Rivals since their high school and college days in Oregon, the two CSSL stars have grown into good friends. They felt it fitting that they should hold the press conference together.
Asked what he planned to do after retiring, Jazz replied, "I've spoken with Titan, the young man playing for Oregon State. I plan to work with him, and help him improve. He's got a lot of potential, and great character, and I hope to be able to share any wisdom I've gotten over these years."
Fresh Skillz is not sure what he's going to do. He said that he "still loves the game", but hasn't decided on where exactly he wants to spend his time.
"I've spoken with the University of Oregon about their open head coaching job," he said. "But things are still up in the air."
(Skillz shooting over Jazz in a matchup last season)
Despite the sadness over leaving the league, the two are definitely focused and optimistic about the upcoming season.
"I've had a great run in Nike," Jazz said, when asked about his decision to stay with the team. "I've gotten much more comfortable playing the 3, and with our new look frontcourt, I think we'll be contenders again."
Skillz, the league's most improved player last season, wants to go out with a bang.
"Jazz here and I have each won two titles," he said jokingly. "This season, I plan on edging him out for that third."
Known for their defense when they came into the league, Jazz and Skillz have turned into a couple of the league's premier players. They'll be missed from the league, but at least we know that they'll be leaving it in good hands.
