Interivew — Jazz's Cousin discusses D-League, Israel, call up, Utah

Toronto — Excerpts of an interview Wednesday with Jazz center Marcus Cousin after shootaround at the Air Canada Centre.Cousin on how things are going: I just found out yesterday and then I [had] to leave in like two and a half hours. It was a quick turnaround. How he found out: I was at a restaurant. My agent called me. I was like, 'For real?' He was serious, though.First real shot in the NBA: It's real exciting. I was thrilled when I heard the opportunity. I thank the Jazz for giving me this opportunity to show what I can do.Picking things up during shootaround: Just going over a couple plays that they run in the game and defense. I was just trying to soak everything in as much as possible. What he can bring to Jazz: I'm trying to play defense and rebound as much as I can for the most part, then try to score when I can. But I'm mainly defense and rebounding.Background: … I went overseas to Turkey. And half the year, since January, I've been in Israel. Israel was cool. I didn't play a lot the whole year. But in Israel we won the championship, so that was cool. After I worked out with the [San Antonio] Spurs … I was there the whole training camp. I played five games in the preseason. … I was cut the last day. I felt I was pretty close. It was [tough]. … They asked me to come to the Austin Toros, the D-League team. So I went there; I felt as though I was close, and I can get a chance to get called up.D-League: It's a grind. Just trying to play as hard as you can every night. You don't know when or if you're going to get that phone call. You've just got to grind out every game and play as hard as you can. Helping the Jazz at crucial point during the team's season: In the draft process I worked out for the Jazz. That went well. I'm just thrilled to join the Jazz. I'm just trying to make the best of it as I can. Advice from Tyrone Corbin: I'm just trying to ask questions to stay ready and learn as much as I can.— Brian T. SmithTwitter: @tribjazz