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NORTH SALT LAKE — Parlez-vous français?
Students at Foxboro Elementary School in Salt Lake City spoke a little more French after Wednesday, thanks to a special-guest instructor: Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, the French international who made a special visit to the school for a one-of-a-kind lesson.
“Why did you choose to sign a contract with the Jazz?” one student asked in a child’s French.
“I think we can win a championship very soon,” Gobert responded. “I love being here, and I love the coach.”
No matter the language, that’s something Jazz fans want to hear from their $102 million franchise player.
That wasn’t the only hard-hitting question asked by Foxboro students, either, whether in French or in English. Naturally, one question even shifted toward the departure of former Jazz star Gordon Hayward.
Gobert smiled at the question, pointed to a group of reporters in the corner, and responded.
“I think you all put them up to it,” Gobert deadpanned.
Here's Rudy Gobert's response to a student asking him about Gordon Hayward leaving: pic.twitter.com/GeuQacIc9M
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) September 20, 2017
Gobert is the face of the new Jazz franchise, one remodeled with offseason departures like Hayward and George Hill.
An all-defensive team has been assembled in Salt Lake City, with the 7-foot-1 center at the fulcrum. And he’s willing to live up to his new role on the team, both on and off the court.
“It makes me remember when I was kid and how I would’ve loved to have met an NBA player,” Gobert said. “I love to help the community and interact with the kids and the fans. It doesn’t matter who I am on the court; it’s important.”
Training camp and preseason is on the horizon, too. Gobert knows it — and he’s ready. So, too, are rookies Donovan Mitchell and Tony Bradley, newcomers like Ricky Rubio and returning veterans like Joe Ingles.
“I think these guys are going to help us a lot.
“We have competitors and we have guys that like to play defense and share the ball, so it’s going to be fun,” said Gobert.
The Jazz will unveil the newly remodeled Vivint Arena during a public open house next Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m.
