I was the tallest 3rd grade kid in school (in the Middle East), so the basketball coach kept pushing me to give the sport a go. When I finally did, I became kind of obsessed, and I started following the NBA. Back then, my only source was a European channel that televised 2 games every Sunday. I would follow those religiously.
I did not have a favorite team at first. Then one day, I saw a Jazz v Lakers game where Utah played beautifully and got the win. I still remember how awed I was to see Stockton run back after a turnover, and draw a charge against the Lakers' 3 against 1 fast break. I remember Stockton to Malone running the PnR over and over and over, and I remember the commentator saying that everyone knew the PnR was coming, but nobody knew what to do about it. I loved the fact that the Jazz' strength came from perfectly executed tactics that depended on harmonious cohesion across the entire squad. I then bought a Malone jersey, and started wearing it to practice. I became known for being a Jazz fan, and that created a sort of emotional investment that further entrenched my fanhood.
When I began applying to schools, U of U and BYU were on top of my list, because that's where the Jazz played. And that was that.