Araujo Happy to be in Utah

[RonnieBrewer (Ronnie Brewer)]

Araujo Happy to be in Utah
By Joseph Simmons - 14 Nov 2006

During his time at BYU, Rafael Araujo established himself as one of the best
basketball centers in the nation.

In the 2003-2004 season, he led the Cougars to a 21-9 record, averaged almost
20 points a game and took the team into the NCAA tournament. Scouts pegged him
as a sure bet to be drafted into the NBA. Few of them though, projected him
to go eighth overall to Toronto and be the first center taken in the draft.

Overnight, the expectations for Araujo went through the roof. The Toronto
Raptors wanted him to score for them in the NBA like he did at BYU. It was
a lot of pressure.

Now, almost three years later, Araujo is back in town and has the chance for
a fresh start with one of the up-and-coming teams in the NBA-- the Utah Jazz
-- and he's happy to be there.

"When I heard I was coming here, it was like the draft again," Araujo said.
"I was really excited to be back, and to be able to work with coach (Jerry)
Sloan."

Jazz fans were divided about Araujo's return. All could agree they were
elated that the black hole that was Kris Humphries was gone, but how Araujo
would fit in was a big question.

To say that Araujo was a failure in Toronto would be unfair. The coaches and
fans expected so much from him, that when he didn't perform immediately, he
was put in the doghouse. In his first two seasons with the Raptors, Araujo
averaged only 12 minutes per game, and averaged only three points per game.
The coaching staff had little patience and, after just a few months, Araujo
was worked out of the regular team rotation. Still, Araujo said, it was a
learning experience.

"I learned how to play in a difficult situation," Araujo said. "I learned
that when things are hard, all I can do is continue to work hard."

Araujo sees his chance with the Jazz as a great opportunity, and he is
showing that he will make the most of it. Araujo had a good showing last
summer at the Rocky Mountain Revue, and coaches have praised his work ethic.

Being in Utah, Araujo said, has done great things for his morale.

"I succeeded here in college, and people here know that I work hard," he said.
"The players here make me a better player, and the energy here is good."

Araujo is beginning to be noticed by Sloan for his hard work. While currently
on the inactive list, Araujo is spending hours every day working on his game.
Even following last Monday's victory over the Detroit Pistons, Araujo left
the Delta Center to go to a two-hour practice session.

"I think that Araujo is working hard," Sloan said. "He still has a lot to
learn, but he's a young guy. If he'll be patient and learn the game without
trying to force it, I think he'll be a good player."

Araujo looks back on his time at BYU and on the Cougars' basketball team with
fondness.

"I loved everything about it. I loved the friendships I had in class, and on
the team," Araujo said. "I think they have a great coach now. Coach Rose
deserved the job. The players work hard, and I wish them the best of luck."


http://nn.byu.edu/story.cfm/61952

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