Jerry Sloan doesn't normally reserve such high praise, or so much playing time, for those so young and inexperienced.

But when the Jazz coach calls Andrei Kirilenko "a huge part of the future" ? and discusses what a huge presence he is in the present ? it's little wonder why.

Numbers tell the truth in the case of Kirilenko, who seems poised to become Utah's first NBA All-Rookie Team selection since Karl Malone ? only the league's No. 2 all-time scorer ? was honored back in 1986.

With three games to go in the Jazz's regular season, including tonight's visit to Golden State, Utah's prized rookie from Russia has recorded four more steals than teammate John Stockton ? only the NBA's all-time steals leader ? did in his 1984-85 rookie season.

That's not at all.