For the Tacoma Jazz, members of the semi-pro International Basketball League (IBL), it is not all just about the basketball. Sure, they have expectations to win ballgames and compete for the playoffs, but there is something else that figures into their plans on and off the court: the community.

Whether the players are available for guest speaking opportunities, to help put on clinics for local youth or even just to hand out T-shirts, the Jazz relish in the chance to contribute to the local neighborhoods. And with a core group of players who grew up and played basketball in and around Tacoma, even if the wins do not come like they would hope, the community is something they can always feel good about.

“I hope the gym is packed so that it can give the community a chance to see what kind of team it is that represents them on and off the court,” said coach Debora Weston. “If they like them that is all that counts, as long as they like them they’ll make them win with all that yelling.”

This will be the first season at the head of the Jazz for Weston. An assistant coach last year, she has taken the reins and hopes to put wins on the scoreboard. So far, she has been successful. In their one game, against the USA All-Stars, the Jazz took a 139-100 victory to lead off their season.

“They started a little slow,” she said about the win. But after the team’s first timeout, she said the team really came alive and was able to use a strong second and third quarter to take the early-season victory.

“We have a very athletic team,” Weston said. “My expectations are that we are fast-paced, offensive and a lot of pressure defense. I would love to unleash that type of play with some discipline.”

The Jazz have eight players from last year’s squad returning this year, while adding seven new members. For a team that struggled at times last year, Weston said that she expects some of the returnees to really step up this season.

One player who she really thinks will step up for the Jazz in 2008 is Marlin Bailey. Last season, Bailey averaged 13.3 points per games and will be the starting point guard this year.

“I expect big things out of him,” Weston said. “Just passing and running and starting the defense - he can do everything that is required of him as a point guard.”

The primetime player for the Jazz last season was Mount Tahoma graduate Dontay Harris. This will be his fourth season playing with the IBL team from Tacoma - his second with the Jazz - and he was an All-Star last season when he averaged 21.3 points per game.

Harris is one of a number of players with local ties to Tacoma. Former Tacoma Community College and Foss standout Lorenzo Rollins returns this season after averaging 20.1 points per game last year. Weston said she thinks that the players’ local ties will be a big part of connecting with the community.

“We got a lot of local guys,” she said. “I think that’s huge and if they can win every game that’s even better. We really want to make a statement, and it’s just going to take time.”

Among the new players coming in this season is former Lincoln star Justin Holt. He is one player that Weston is very excited about for the presence he will bring to the squad.

“I just gotta tame him a little bit,” she said. “Once he gets that down, all of the team stuff, he’s a great asset. My expectation is that he works 50 million times harder than he ever has in his life, and he’ll come in and give us some good minutes.”

The Jazz will play their first home game of the season at Mount Tahoma High School March 30 against the USA All-Stars.