Hello Jazz Fans. First off, thanks for taking the time to read my first contribution to Jazzbots.com. I figure, what better way to start off than by looking ahead to the upcoming season? So here’s for you, dear readers, the necessary ingredients to prepare for Jazz basketball. Following these steps will set you above fair-weather fans and mark you as a true Purple and Blue aficionado:

1. Recap the Summer. I know, I know - if you hadn’t been keeping tabs on what has changed with the team in the off-season, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. But make sure you are truly ready. Quick quiz - what’s Jason Hart’s jersey number? If you know the answer, move to step two. If not, time to hunker down and start googling the new team roster. While you’re at it - make sure you’ve reviewed the news for the rest of the league. Don’t be stumped when someone asks, “Who did Rashard Lewis go to again?” If you don’t know that it’s Orlando and aren’t able to throw in the fact that he got 6 yrs for $110 million, it’s time for some studying. You should also add in a “Ridiculous” comment afterwards to express your disgust and dismay at the current state of NBA salaries. If you think Orlando got a good deal and disagree with me, then study even more!

2. Get ready to watch EVERY game. True Jazz fans - only 3 excuses are valid for missing a game this year: It’s your wedding, your child is being born, or you are in a coma. With modern technology you can watch the Jazz anywhere, anytime. I travel a lot for my regular job. TIVO and Slingbox saved my life last year. I don’t know how I ever functioned without them! I’m also expecting more HD game broadcasts this year. I can’t wait until all 82 are in High Def. I’m assuming you all have HD TVs by now. If not, stop reading this immediately and head straight to your local TV store.

3. Plan an opening night party. It’s a long season, so you can’t celebrate every game like you spend your Sundays with the NFL, but make sure you start off right. I’ll be cooking up some wings and breaking out my favorite tasty beverages for me and my friends. The season starts just before Halloween - so crack open the snickers bars on Oct. 30 and pretend you aren’t home the next night.

4. Make predictions for the season. Utah is my team, but I’m not naïve. Here are my picks for the season:

• a. Team MVP - Deron Williams. League MVP - Lebron James
• b. Jazz Record - 55 - 27. Northwest Division Champs
• c. Playoffs - Jazz get 4th seed but are ousted in the 2nd round by future 2008 champs Phoenix
• d. Williams makes 3rd team all NBA. Almond makes the All-rookie team. Millsap makes the Soph roster. Brewer takes over the starting job as shooting guard by mid-season.

There you have it. The right recipe to enjoy the next 82 games. So - rub your old Stockton rookie card for good health, your old Fisher jersey for good luck, and your D-Will poster for a prosperous season with a young team. And keep a Malone bobblehead nearby. If it’s another rollercoaster year, it might keep you from losing your hair.