The J-Notes
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3 Young Utah Jazz players to watch down the stretch

By Jared Koch

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Talen Horton-Tucker #0 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Yu/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Talen Horton-Tucker #0 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Yu/Getty Images) /
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Mar 25, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) dribbles against Sacramento Kings forward Kessler Edwards (17) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) dribbles against Sacramento Kings forward Kessler Edwards (17) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

2.  Johnny Juzang

Juzang is a player I’ve been super high on since coming out of UCLA. However, with him currently signed to a two-way deal, he’s only had a chance to play in 15 games so far this season. With the current state of the Jazz this late in the season, Juzang’s opportunities should absolutely increase.

Here’s a little bit about Juzang in case you didn’t know:

Juzang is a 22-year-old rookie small forward. He stands at 6’7, weighing in at 215 pounds. In 2019, Juzang was a highly touted recruit entering college, ranking 34th in the nation in his college class.

He was a three-year player in college, playing his first season at Kentucky, then transferring to UCLA in his sophomore season. Juzang really began to take off in his junior season, Juzang averaged 15.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Bruins.

Despite some solid play in two years at UCLA, as well as some memorable moments in March Madness, Juzang eventually went undrafted in the 2022 Draft. Despite this, the Jazz decided to sign Juzang to a two-way deal for this season.

In the 15 games Juzang’s played this season, he’s averaged 4.7 points and two rebounds per game on 34% shooting from the field. He may not be the most efficient, however, since he’s a rookie, we can give him a pass this time. He showed in college that he can put up solid efficiency when given more opportunity, shooting 43/36/83 splits in his junior season at UCLA.

If there was ever a time to give Juzang an increased role in the team, it should be now. With a season average of 12 minutes per game when he plays, coach Will Hardy needs to pump these numbers up to see what Juzang has to offer.

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