1. Wow, Jazz fans are incredible.

Hours before the event began, people began lining up outside the doors of EnergySolutions Arena en masse for the Jazz’s open summer league practice. As the doors opened at 6 PM, 1 hour before the scrimmage, the line lasted around the block 1 to see the new Jazz’s summer league roster.

Quin Snyder got a loud ovation as he entered the court for the first time, but nothing exceeded the reaction to Dante Exum’s first appearance, a standing ovation that warmly welcomed the new draftee onto the team.

By the time the scrimmage actually began, fans were beginning to head to the upper bowl, with the lower bowl essentially full. All in all, approximately 10,000 fans attended the scrimmage, and absolutely insane turnout for what is, again, just a practice for a summer league roster. People are excited about the new era.

2. Quin Snyder loves to talk Xs and Os.

One of the highlights of the event was Quin Snyder essentially narrating the practice. Before the scrimmage, he explained what was to follow in specialist’s terms, after somewhat deriding emcee Craig Bolerjack’s request to appeal to the common denominator. At each new practice drill, he explained to the audience what they were seeing and what to look for, whether it be a 5-0 offensive set run-through, or a “game day” shooting drill. Then, after each quarter, he explained what he had seen thus far, his highlights and lowlights explained in terms of his overall goals.

Afterwards, he expounded on his narration, saying “It’s interesting to me what a knowledgeable fanbase we have. People here, they know basketball.” The Jazz’s previous coaches never felt comfortable discussing Xs and Os with the media or fans. Specific questions about the team’s system were either derided 2 or bypassed.

Quin, on the other hand, seems to love talking about Xs and Os. He explains them to a crowd of nearly 10,000 without being asked to. He gives expansive answers while talking to the media. He’s written incredibly detailed manifestos on the pick and roll. It’s a welcome change and, honestly, should improve the level of insight we’re able to share with you at Salt City Hoops.

3. The actual scrimmage revealed a few things as well.

The scrimmage itself, consisting of three 8-minute quarters(?) with a running clock, was informative too. Here are a few first impressions: