Sefolosha rates some early raves Options

[RememberThe90's]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...bulls-headlines

Sefolosha rates some early raves
Swiss guard also winds up 2 inches taller since draft

By Marlen Garcia
Tribune staff reporter

July 7, 2006, 10:23 PM CDT

Coach Scott Skiles watched Thabo Sefolosha in person for the first time Thursday night in Bulls mini-camp and came away impressed.

"He stood out in last night's practice," Skiles said of the guard from Switzerland after Friday's workout. "He has a lot of nice things he can do."


Skiles' review was somewhat tempered because mini-camp is made up of rookies and second-tier players trying to break into the league.

It remains to be seen how Sefolosha will fare against A-listers such as Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Luol Deng.

Still, Skiles liked the way Sefolosha passed and penetrated.

"Thabo has one thing going for him," Skiles said. "He already has played professionally, much like when [Andres Nocioni] came over here. He has a lot of experience."

Sefolosha and fellow first-round draft choice Tyrus Thomas received clearance to participate in mini-camp Thursday afternoon and are gearing up for summer-league play in Orlando next week.

The rookies needed an exemption because they won't sign their contracts until Wednesday.

Standing tall

Most basketball players exaggerate their height, but Sefolosha's has been understated.

The NBA's draft media guide listed him at 6 feet 5 inches, but the Bulls rookie said Friday that 6-7 is more exact.

Indeed, he looks like a legitimate 6-7, which will be a relief for fans who have wanted management to add some height in the backcourt.

Harrington waived

The Bulls waived Othella Harrington, but the 6-9 power forward might return for his 11th NBA season with a minimum contract. In two seasons with the Bulls, Harrington averaged 6.4 points and 3.1 rebounds while playing 14.8 minutes per game.

No way on Wilcox

A source close to the Bulls disputed published reports that the Bulls are interested in acquiring Seattle restricted free agent Chris Wilcox. The source said the Bulls have no interest in the 6-10 power forward.

mxgarcia@tribune.com

[BIGwalt]

We cant get to excited, he is going up against scrubs, his first real test will be in the summer leagues.

[RememberThe90's]

I know there where questions about T2's height.

Well if Thabo is 6'7...that makes T2 a legit 6'9

[BIGwalt]

I know Aldridge would fit perfectly at PF next to Wallace. He has a nice post game and could have focused more on the offense.

[s720]

I know Aldridge would fit perfectly at PF next to Wallace. He has a nice post game and could have focused more on the offense.

You might re-think what you've stated:

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1395

[eddog2]

I know there where questions about T2's height.

Well if Thabo is 6'7...that makes T2 a legit 6'9

That looks like a little more than a 2" disparity. Maybe thomas 6-9 1/2 Sefolosha 6-6 1/2

[SoxFan1]

You might re-think what you've stated:

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1395

So you're basing it off of one 30 minute game? God, I hope Tyrus doesn't score 20+ in his 1st game or we'll be callign him Karl Malone.

[eddog2]

You might re-think what you've stated:

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1395

I knew the guy was a mush when he did nothing in the tournament. Tyrus although probably not as good of a jump shooter as Aldridge (yet) is a beast. I take the beast over the beauty any day (when it comes to basketball of course)

[SoxFan1]

Yup, Aldridge is a bust after 1 game. I knew it.

[Waffles]

I think he will end up being the sleeper from this years draft.

[Waffles]

I'm speaking of Sofolosha

[dasox24]

I've got a question:

Could someone explain to me why some international players have to be drafted, while some can sign with any team? What differentiates b/t the two situations?

i.e. We signed Nocioni, but had to draft Sefolosha.

Was this b/c Nocioni entered the draft some random year and wasn't drafted, so he became like an undrafted free agent?

[The Dude Abides]

Very cool. All we can ask of him is to excel against whatever competition he is playing against. I am very excited to see him during the rookie camp...

[The Dude Abides]

I've got a question:

Could someone explain to me why some international players have to be drafted, while some can sign with any team? What differentiates b/t the two situations?

i.e. We signed Nocioni, but had to draft Sefolosha.

Was this b/c Nocioni entered the draft some random year and wasn't drafted, so he became like an undrafted free agent?

I think that's correct. If you enter the draft and are not taken, the following year you can be signed.

Lucky for us! Noch could have been a high 1st rd pick.

[ZoomSlowik]

I know there where questions about T2's height.

Well if Thabo is 6'7...that makes T2 a legit 6'9

He measured 6'8" 1/4 in shoes at the combine. You're not going to get a more definitive measurement...