Love Letter to Kyle

Posted by Annie Whittaker on February 17, 2009

I know what you’re thinking. But you are mostly wrong.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the Utah Jazzman the night before the Jazz sent the Lakers packing. In fact, not only did I meet him, I had dinner with him.

Now, I told you that you were mostly wrong about what I’m about to write. The little part where you are right is probably true because only a robot doesn’t get at least a little weak in the knees when first meeting Kyle Korver. When I heard about the contest to meet Kyle, I thought the entries would have all originated from those of the double X persuasion. But upon talking with people in the limo and at the Devereaux mansion, I found that many of the winners were actually men. Most of whom had entered every single day of the contest. I’m sure even most of them would tell you that Kyle is even better looking in person (lets be honest–much, better, looking). He’s also much taller in person too, and don’t be fooled; that Iowa drawl is actually quite intoxicating.

As people arrived at the mansion, they were greeted by photographers, videographers and Jazz Dancers. Inside, a string quartet played as people mingled and ate hors d’oeuvres. Then, it was time to meet the man of the hour. Everyone got their picture taken with Kyle just after he autographed a basketball and handed it to you with a rose. While standing in line for this, I thought it might be kind of like when you go to the DMV and get your picture taken. The clerk says ready and then clicks the picture before you are ready and then kicks you out the door while you protest. I think I was a bit shocked when not only was the photographer very friendly, but the subject of the photo as well. As I took my place for the picture, I was a bit too stunned to talk because I didn’t expect to be more than another calf walking through the chute, when Mr. Korver actually introduced himself and shook my hand. Thankfully, Jazz V.P. of Marketing Extraordinaire Eric Schulz came to my rescue, told me and Kyle what my name was and told him that I write for the Jazzbots blog. A flash of lights later and I was able to make my escape. Good thing I could just go join my friends from the Limo ride and have dinner while keeping my head down. It’s not like he would remember me anyway right? I mean famous people do this kind of thing all of the time, they can’t be expected to remember every person that they meet, or what they do. I was safe.

I found my table and my assigned seat, curious about the empty seat next to me. Later, to my great happiness and surprise, Mr. Kyle Korver sat down in that empty seat and proceeded to have dinner. The first thing he said as he sat was,”now you write a blog?” It’s true, he actually did remember our meeting and proved to be just as thoughtful through the rest of the night. He’s truly a genuine, nice, and likeable person.

We talked a little about coming to Utah and the differences between playing and living in Philadelphia versus Salt Lake. He was very complimentary about the fans here, and appreciated the fact that we are great supporters of our team . When I asked him if the arena really is so much louder than other NBA arenas, he quipped that of course its louder “because people come to the games.”

I asked him about something that might have struck him as funny or unique went he first arrived here, and I was amused and surprised when he started talking (maybe close to ranting) about the timing of traffic lights and strange parking habits. He also mentioned all of the “signs” or posters that people make and bring to all of the games. He appeared to have the impression that it’s kind of a cute habit that fans in Utah might not have been able to abandon once leaving the pep club in school. I had to let him in on the fact that except for sign contest nights, 90% or more of the posters in the building had his name on them, many times accompanied by a proposal or declaration of a certain type. He spoke a little about all of the attention of that ilk that he receives. While remaining respectful, he did mention that sometimes someone’s grandma or aunt Selma might not be the first match maker he might have expected to run into on a near daily basis, and it does happen more than one might think. In fact, it happened that very evening, but I’ll keep my promise not to say anything more about that, and I mention it only to point out that he was very mindful of the feelings of the fan who made the request. One little secret I will let you in on, is that if you are one of the many people who have spoken with Kyle on Myspace, you have been duped. None of those approximately 10 Myspace pages are actually his–even if they say they are official. Just a word to the wise. In all honesty, Kyle Korver is a class act. I’d like to thank America First Credit Union and Meikle LaHue, Brand Manager for the Utah Jazz, for an outstanding dinner and great time with Kyle.

Now for the real reason we should all be loving Kyle.

In this month of “love” Kyle has stepped up to start when called upon and produced above average numbers for his team. He was instrumental in the Lakers game (perhaps he was inspired by the charming company the night before). He’s shared the love with the Jazz more than ever before in the month of February, improving his numbers against his season and career averages in nearly every statistical category. In the last 5 games, he increased his rebounding average to 6.8 compared to his season and career averages of 3.1. His points per game not only have increased, but he contributed 20 points in the routing of the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 5th.

Not only has Kyle continued to improve and contribute to the team’s success, he has continued to contribute to the community. The Kyle Korver Foundation serves by promoting efforts such as Coats for Kids and setting the world kick-ball record with proceeds going to charity.

For someone who looks at Valentines Day with a somewhat jaded perspective, I must admit that I received a real Valentine by having the chance to meet with one of the great people who make our team such a pleasure to support. Kyle Korver makes a Utah Jazz fan proud to call the Jazz their own. I hope that he remains an integral part of a successful Jazz future for a long time to come.

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26 Comments

Sheri on February 17, 2009 said:

Annie this was a great post.

Boondock Saint on February 17, 2009 said:

JEALOUS and yes I’m a guy and still JEALOUS. I mean come on, who wouldn’t want to hang out with a NBA player and just shoot the breeze. Thanks for letting us share in the moment Annie…great blog.

jessielou on February 17, 2009 said:

This was a great blog. I don’t know if I can get across just how JEALOUS I am of you! I’m glad you had a good time that night.

Linda McFarland on February 17, 2009 said:

Oh boy Annie! How did you manage to get to be one of the special people????? I am like the others who say that jealous isn’t even a strong enough word. What a Valentine present. I don’t even need to go out to dinner, just some small talk with any one of the players. I am sooooo glad that you were one of those to go. Now I know a celebritty and if I ever meet you I can maybe shake the same hand that Kyle did!!!!!!! Thanks for another great blog.

Annie Whittaker on February 17, 2009 said:

Thanks everyone. It’s not hard to write nice things about nice people. I forgot to mention, there were two boys who came with as guests of winners. They were 6 and about 9 years old. They were the cutest, and you can’t believe how excited they were when Kyle came to visit at their table. Kyle went out of his way to make them feel special. I tried to take pictures, but I’m not a photographer.

Speaking of photos, my copy of the one the Jazz gave us was prominently displayed at my shop for all of my extra Valentines helpers to see!

Lesli on February 17, 2009 said:

You are a riot, Annie. I especially loved the part about being just another calf in the chute and “Eric Schulz came to my rescue, [and] told me and Kyle what my name was.”

I’m sure all your readers now have “genius envy.” Great blog for a florist writing in a Holiday Haze. You should write a book about your Jazz experience. It would be great!

Lesli

James Seaman on February 17, 2009 said:

Annie,
That’s really cool. Nice write up as well.

I once saw Joe Dumars at a soul food restaurant in Harlem called Amy Ruth’s. He was eating chicken wings and peach cobbler. Not the same, I guess.

James

Deb on February 18, 2009 said:

Oh flower Annie, I was right. After talking with you while waiting for the limo about the pros and cons of Dutch tulips, I told my husband I thought you were the Annie that writes for Jazzbots. He told me I was…well I won’t repeat it. You have written exactly my feeling about that night at the Mansion. I too thought we would be herded in and out for pictures in about a minute and probably sit at tables while Mr. Korver gave a nice short speech at a front table. Imagine my surprise when he sat down next to my husband at our table and was so polite in answering questions that he didn’t get to eat much of anything. I don’t think I have seen anyone smile so much for so long. And you are right about his effort on the basketball court, I had especially noticed the increased rebounding numbers. Lke tonight against Memphis, his shooting was off, but it looked like he had a bunch of rebounds and did other things that do not show up in the box scores.
Thanks also for the heads up about the MY Space pages, I had surmised as much quite a while ago, but was a little surpised when I asked him to sign a picture of himself from one of the My Space pages and he asked where I got it from. He did graciously sign it.
A big thanks goes out to everyone involved in this evening both from the Jazz, the Devereaux Mansion and America First Credit Union.
I really enjoy your blogs and your perspective, keep up the good work.

Brian McCann on February 18, 2009 said:

Annie- i have to admit I am jealous as well. That would be awesome! I am glad to see one of are own actually got picked to be a part of that night.

Mal on February 18, 2009 said:

What the heck, Annie!!!! That’s so awesome you won and got to participate! And so awesome for us because we got to hear about it! I guess my sporadic entries weren’t good enough to get me in. How often did you enter?

Annie Whittaker on February 18, 2009 said:

Deb, Thank you so much. I feel like a celebrity!!! I was actually recognized. With my authority as a celebrity I’m giving you permission to tell your husband to just admit what he already knows, but is afraid to say out loud: MY WIFE IS ALWAYS RIGHT. We both know that it’s true.

Mal- All I can reveal is that you were in my thoughts, and this is a true statement, I swear it on the Jazzbots logo. I gave you a mention, and Kyle said “say hello to Mal for me.” I have witnesses that will corroborate. When I found out the date of the event, I was a little concerned because it was so close to Valentines Day madness and I thought that I could put you in as my sub. (But lets get real here, why would I let a little thing like my livelihood get in the way of meeting Kyle in person?)

Linda McFarland on February 18, 2009 said:

Annie…..If you are ever in the same perdicerment close to a flower holiday just call me. I worked for Klinks Florists in Burley for lots of years.

Annie Whittaker on February 19, 2009 said:

Linda, my Grandma is from Burley. She still has family there. Chamberlains and Moncurs.

rDizzle on February 19, 2009 said:

dreammy

Linda McFarland on February 19, 2009 said:

Annie….I keep remembering the name Moncur as someone in our neighborhood? Could write more about it but guess the other Jazz Bots aren’t interested. Thanks friends for a personal minute.

Laurie on February 19, 2009 said:

ANNIE…. how wonderful for you!! Like everyone else, I’m so jealous I can hardly see to type this entry, but will give it my best effort….LOL I’ve actually been on the look-out, hoping to see some photos from that night, so if you know where some are posted, please let me know. (I had expected there to be some on the Jazz website, but unless I missed them, so far, no go.) Also, one of the things I’m most curious about when it comes to Kyle, is if he is REALLY happy here…… and wants to be here. I can never tell when he’s being interviewed, if he’s just being polite, or if he’s happy here. Sometimes, when I hear how he speaks of Philly, I wonder if he had the chance, if he wouldn’t head straight back there): Given that he CAN opt out at the end of the year…. I do wonder if he would prefer to stay. Now, I don’t really expect that he divulged all of these deep dark secrets to you (or maybe he did? LOL), but did you get an overall impression, either way? I’m sure he spoke kindly of Utah, and the fans…. but again, I can’t imagine him being anything other than polite. So what do you think…. does he want to stay in Utah? (Just your opinion, I won’t hold you to anything!)

Annie Whittaker on February 20, 2009 said:

Laurie, we (everyone at my table included) talked a about it. The discussion wasn’t just focused on Kyle, it included everyone’s input and experiences about living in different places. With only meeting once and talking for 20-30 minutes, I’ll go as far as to say that I think that he likes it here, I don’t know any more than that. He is a very polite person.

As far as pictures, I think they are still being gone through, when I found out more I will let you know.

Laurie on February 20, 2009 said:

Thanks for the reply Annie… looking forward seeing some pics!

Mal on February 20, 2009 said:

You rock Annie! Thanks for dropping my name to Kyle .

Mal on February 20, 2009 said:

Wait, you didn’t tell him my last post called him “Bird Legs” did you?

Jenn Sokia on February 20, 2009 said:

WOW. I, too, am so jealous. Thank you for sharing your experience. It is always fun to get a glimpse of the “real” lives and feelings of our Jazz players!

JazzFanFromSanAntonio on February 21, 2009 said:

Ughhhhh!! I am sooooo jealous! I entered every day! You are one lucky gal! I bet it was AWESOME!

Annie Whittaker on February 21, 2009 said:

Mal, his next question after asking about the blog was, “what do you write about? Is it mean?” I immediately thought of you–no just kidding. I told him that we write nice stuff about everyone except those named Kyle Korver.
At the game just previous to the dinner, the Tough Tundra Toyota whatever question was why does Kyle wear his socks high. I think that’s why every other table asked Kyle about his socks, he didn’t know why it was such a popular question-I didn’t push it-no socks or pigeon-toed comments from me.

Nancy Mahler on February 22, 2009 said:

Great Blog Annie!!! How lucky are you???

jules. on March 02, 2009 said:

annie. this is the first time i’ve been on this “blog” site for the jazz. I LOVE IT! truly, what a great writer you are. as far as im concerned, i’ve been a jazz fan my whole life. it wasn’t up until i dated a guy two years ago that i became a “TRUE jazz fan”. and it wasn’t until korver joined, that i haven’t missed a game. he’s amazing, as every girl would agree. i had the chance to bump into him during sundance at harryo’s in park city. along with d will, and c.j miles. im curious to know if he has a girlfriend, or if that was a topic of interest. he was with some girl at the time, very pretty. not that i’d ever be in his cards as one to date, let alone be aware of who i was. and as for the comment made about “utah might not have been able to abandon once leaving the pep club in school.” i stand guilty as me and a friend of mine made a poster stating “kiss me korver”. i also entered the text to win, multiple times. lucky you! i look forward to continue reading your blog… thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Colleen M on March 04, 2009 said:

Annie – what a memorable evening! I lived the experience through your great write-up. I’d love to see the picture of you and Korver together. p.s. Korver just committed a foul against the Rockets.

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