SALT LAKE CITY — Loud roars showered Vivint Arena as Ekpe Udoh was announced on the video screen during the Utah Jazz’s Summer League opener Monday.
Just hours earlier, the 6-foot-10 center also drew a huge crowd of kids as he strolled through the Utah Jazz 3-on-3 Tournament in 90-degree heat in the parking lot across the street from the arena.
“It’s a great experience for everybody who’s involved and competing,” Udoh said. “I remember growing up, I would play on concrete courts with chain nets, so that’s a great feeling.”
Udoh, 31, has spent the bulk of his offseason training in Salt Lake City and is well liked by fans and players, but the team has a decision to make about his future soon.