By Dr. Greg Shepard

Strength Coach, Utah Jazz In the past five issues beginning in January of [ was so impressed with Drew‘s rehabilitation that we 1983, we began a series of articles on Mark Eaton. | did an article on him in last May's issue. John Drew is would like to quote from last January's issue. “I feel a new man. He is a joy to be around. He speaks to like a missionary spreading the gospel of weight youth groups all the time in order to help anyone training for basketball players and coaches. Our main avoid the traps that befell him. John Drew leads the objective is to help Mark become a better basketball league in scoring off the bench. player and win;.

We are absolutely confident that in Second, was the successful operation of Adrian developing Mark’s functional strength in the proper Dantley (A.D.), the NBA’s leading scorer. Dantley severely injured his wrist and missed most of last way, he will see dramatic results on the court.”

I just would not believe Mark couldn't succeed. season. His physician did a marvelous job and A.D.

He was like the “Mother Lode.” All we had to do was worked hard to stay in shape to be ready for this dig in, work hard and pure gold would be found. He season. was like a “diamond in the rough.” All we had to do was polish him up and he would shine. | could not believe he sat on the end of the bench in high school and played less than one minute a game at U.C.LA.a year earlier. It was unbelievable because not only is Mark 7’4”, but he is clean cut, humble and willing to work very hard. To me it was like betting on a sure thing. It was money in the bank. In subsequent issues, we told about Mark's great progress in the weight room as he broke 400 personal records.

He came from the weakest player in the N.B.A. to perhaps the strongest in just one year. We also reported that Mark worked and made progress on his jumping, running agility and technique. These are al] main components of the BFS program. But remember our main objective. It really isn’t becoming stronger but to WIN! At this writing, the Utah Jazz are in first place. This is quite remarkable when you consider they were picked last place.

“experts” said the Utah Jazz could not even match last year’s miserable record. Houston lost six games last year to the Jazz but this year the Rockets have Ralph “That ball ain’t going to make it.” Eaton leads the NBA in number of blocked shots! (Note: #44 in the middle is 7-0 feet tall.)

Sampson. For financial reasons, the Jazz management decided to play “home games” in Las Vegas.

Imagine flying 500 miles for a home game. Besides . that, the “experts” said the Utah Jazz have never A few years ago, as a high school footba!! coach, I to think that pro basketball was terrible. I refused to watch it on TV. | thought at that level, you made the playoffs! ff. :

~~ . just buy the talent, throw out the ball and let them play. | thought you can’t really coach for enjoyment in professional ball. The rules of motivation, commit men, teamwork and coaching just aren't the same at the pro level. Well, | was wrong, There are five main reasons the Utah Jazz are in first place. Take away any one of the five reasons and the experts would probably be right. First, John Drew had to be rehabilitated from his heavy cocaine habit. Coach Layden is a great coach who has compassion for all people and players. Layden and trainer Sparky Anderson helped John when he needed it the most.

Mark Eaton is definitely a force to be reckoned with!! front ofÏce adopted an advertising slogan “Bigger and Better.” I think that’s appropriate for everyone because we can all emulate the valuable relearned lessons of the Utah Jazz. The fact that the Jazz successfully drafted and signed Thurl Bailey from North Carolina State is reason number three. The Jazz sometimes will make Dominique Wilkins, their number one draft choice to Atlanta for money and a “drugged out, over the hill” John Drew. The trade now seems like a stroke of genius but back then the management nearly got tarred and feathered. Anyway, Thur] has added a lot and is improving every game.

He is also going to push Mark Eaton during this season for being the strongest man on the team.

Fourth is unselfishness and team togetherness. Every player seems excited and motivated to fill their designed role. Each playeris genuinely happy whena teammate does well. John Drew will hug a teammate after a super play and cheer great plays constantly. That is remarkable for a veteran of 10 years. The experts said scoring machines like Adrian Dantley and John Drew could never play together. Coach Frank Layden should be everyone's choice for NBA coach of the year. His positive philosophy is contagious.

The fifth reason is Mark Eaton. His great desire to fulfill his potential is paying great dividends. We gave him the BFS program but Mark had to use it and go after it. Mark leads the Utah Jazz in rebounds, blocked shots and suprisingly, in field goal percentage! | talked to an N.B.A. head coach this summer. He said “Eaton has made amazing progress but coaches will now prepare for Mark. He will not be able to do as well as last year when he started the last 32 games.” When the Jazz played that team a couple of weeks ago, | was pleased to note that Eaton blocked 7 shots, scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds ina gamewinning effort.

San Antonio's coach after being overwhelmed by Mark stated “Eaton's got to be the most improved player in the NBA!” decided to play back to back games because they thought the Jazz could be beaten. Eaton responded with 15 points, 10 blocked shots and 9 rebounds as the Jazz crushed San Diego. Perhaps Eaton's biggest game came against the Boston Celtics last month. With less than 3 minutes to go, the game was tight. Then Eaton went crazy. He blocked a shot by Larry Bird and came back downand scored. Then he blocked McHale's shot and again came back downand scored. He was fouled, made the extra point and the game was over.

Coach Layden exclaimed “It’s the biggest win in my time in the franchise and Celtic coach K.C. Jones shook his head and confessed “Eaton’s the reason the Jazz won.” { don’t believe Eaton’s the whole reason for the Jazz success but he is part of it It takes a total team and coaching effort. It takes hard work, dedication and total commitment. It takes enthusiasm, teamworkand positive mental attitude at all levels. This year the Jazz The match-up between Eaton and Sampson.

From BFS Magazine — January/February 1984. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).