In the second of three consecutive days of workouts, the Jazz brought in a group of players that appear on paper to be power forwards, but their abilities perhaps merit a look elsewhere. None are expected to be first -round picks, but all could find their place on a squad because of their athleticism.

Players at the Zions Bank Basketball Center today were Utah State's Spencer Nelson, Florida Atlantic's Mike Bell, Angelo Gigli of Italy, and Robert Rothbart from Italy as well.

"They shot the ball well," noted Jazz VP Kevin O'Connor. "The maturity level probably wasn't as good as it was yesterday, but that's just because of the experience. Now you've got to try and project down with these players."

O'Connor, on the European players:
I would say that if you take a look at them, two things they do well as most europeans do: they shoot the ball well and they're long. Can we get some weight on them and make them a long 3 or a 4 instead of a five? Those are some of the considerations.

Spencer Nelson
Forward, Utah State
6-8, 225 lbs., Pocatello, Idaho

Nelson was one of the great stories in the NCAA last year, leading the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament where he put on a gutty performance while battling pneumonia. Among his accolades were first-team all-Big West, a Big West all-tournament team selection, the league’s Hustle Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons, and was voted to the United States Basketball Writer’s All-District VIII team. Viewed as a prototype point-forward, Nelson needs to develop an outside game to complement his diverse scoring talents.

On his workout:
It was good. I had a great time. Coach Corbin and Coach Chiesa put us through some good work. I've watched the Jazz ever since I grew up, so it was a great opportunity. I gotta thank the Jazz for having me in. Hopefully I was able to open a few doors for myself. I think I held my own.

How he feels about his progress and chances:
I feel like I'm making strides. I'm working hard. I've got great coahces up in Logan helping me work on the things that I need to, work on the things I need to, the parts of my game that I need to improve. I think today I took a step forward, and I've just gotta keep taking small steps.

Kevin O'Connor's take on Spencer:
You want to say that he's not big enough, or he's too slow, he's this or that. You know what, he's really a good basketball player. It had to be fun to coach him, you can see what kind of kid he is on the floor. He had a play where he went for a layup, got his shot blocked, came down, got the ball, went back up and got it blocked again, and ended up getting a layup. If you look at his stat sheet he was 1-for-3, but if you look at the hustle sheet he got two points for your team. That's why they want him. He's just fun to be around. Don't see him short - we're certainly not.

Gigli

Angelo Gigli
Forward, Italy
6-10, 207 lbs., Pietermaritzburg, Russia

Gigli is a big guy who can play either of the forward spots. His defense and shot-blocking ability may remind some of Andrei Kirilenko, as well as his thin frame. Gigli needs to develop more offensive ability to be considered a 3, but must bulk up to be a 4. Last season he averaged 10.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks with Bipop Reggio Emilia in Italy.

On his knowledge of the Jazz:
I like (this team) very much. I like the city. I go around the city a little bit, I like it very much. The staff is great, great people. The coach, evrybody very very great. For me, it's my dream to play here.

On his workout:
It was okay. For me, it was good to workout; I'm more confident. I'm a little bit tired, but I wanted to make a good impression. I know this is a very great chance. Every time I tried to do the best that I can.

Bell

Mike Bell
Forward, Florida Atlantic
6-9, 210 lbs., Raleigh, NC

Bell excelled on a national level despite playing at smal Florida Atlantic. He made honorable mention All-America as a senior, the first such honor for an Owl. Bell began his collegiate career at N.C. State, but transfered to Palm Beach Community College before heading on to Atlantic. In just two years at the school he catapulted himself into its all-time lists at fifth for scoring, third in rebounding, and second in blocks. His versatility and athleticism makes him a valuable commodity, but his size makes him a tweener. He averaged 19.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last year.

On what feedback he's received so far on his position:
I have no idea. Everywhere I've been they've told me that I did a good job. I think everything is going okay for me right now.

On possibly playing for the Jazz:
This is my second time out here, it's a nice city. i love it out here. If they'd be willing to have me, I'd love to be out here.

Kevin O'Connor's take on Bell:
Mike Bell is a player we saw in Portsmouth and played very well. He gives you a long, athletic, 6-9 player that can shoot the ball. Started at N.C. State, wound up at Florida Atlantic and ended up having a great career.

Rothbart

Robert Rothbart
Forward, Paris Racing/ Monta vista HS (Cupertino, CA)
7-0, 225 lbs., Cupertino, CA

Rothbart was one of the top high school players in the nation two years ago and committed to Indiana before deciding to play in Europe. He was born in Yugoslavia and holds citizenship in Bosnia and Israel. His family immigrated to the US when he was eight. Robert worked out with the Jazz last year, and is considered a qualtiy project because of his size.