<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">1st-rounders at home at Berto Center Thomas, Sefolosha introduced to media By Marlen Garcia Tribune staff reporter Published June 30, 2006 Tyrus Thomas wore a pressed white oxford-cloth shirt, black slacks and a red tie with thin stripes. Luckily for him, he sported a Bulls baseball cap too. At times he pulled it down low and his eyes were barely visible during his first news conference as a Bull at the Berto Center. Otherwise, the shy 19-year-old from Baton Rouge, La., looked right at home, along with Thabo Sefolosha, less than 24 hours after the Bulls selected them in the first round of the NBA draft. Thomas was the fourth pick, taken by Portland and traded to the Bulls, who had selected LaMarcus Aldridge for the Blazers with the second pick. The Bulls traded with the 76ers to get Sefolosha of Switzerland. Philadelphia picked him with the 13th selection for the Bulls, who in turn took Rodney Carney at No. 16 for the 76ers. Thomas looked much more comfortable than he did during his visits with reporters leading up to the draft. It probably helps that he's coming into an ideal situation. Most teams with early picks are trying to get out of the NBA's cellar, but the Bulls made the playoffs for the second straight season. They had an early pick because of the Eddy Curry trade with the Knicks. Bulls general manager John Paxson has said Thomas was chosen for his outstanding potential as the best athlete in the draft. The Bulls believe they can afford to be patient. "They made the playoffs, made a nice run," Thomas said. "I'm going to have guys who experienced it. At the same time, they can relate to me. I think I'm in the best situation of all the rookies right now. I don't have a lot of pressure on me." In contrast to Thomas, Sefolosha came across as laid-back. He wore a white T-shirt and long, baggy denim shorts. Paxson described Sefolosha, 22, as worldly. At 18 he left his home in Switzerland to play in France and most recently played in Italy. He is fluent in English, French and Italian. Paxson said he first scouted Sefolosha in a frigid, nondescript gym in Europe. Having experienced humble beginnings, Sefolosha said his new surroundings were amazing. Most importantly for Sefolosha, his travels over the last four years should ease his transition to Chicago. Thomas' transition should be helped by the presence of his uncle, Shedrick Franklin, who is moving his family to the Chicago area. Thomas grew up in a tight-knit family in Baton Rouge. "That's one of the reasons I moved here, to help him along in the process of becoming a professional athlete, just to be here to give him guidance and direction," said Franklin, who was a teacher in Oklahoma City. Thomas wore jersey No. 32 for his Bulls debut, but he hopes to make a switch to 24, currently worn by Othella Harrington. The Bulls have an option on Harrington and his future here depends on the Bulls' acquisitions during free agency. Thomas wore 12 during college, which isn't available because it belongs to Kirk Hinrich. He decided on 24, combining 12 with the No. 12 worn by close friend Ryan Francis, the USC guard fatally shot last month. Sefolosha said he wanted jersey No. 2 for his birthday, May 2.</div> Source At the bottom it says what numbers both of the players want to wear.
There was no way in the world I thought Thabo was black. Being European white just automatically came to mind. And he is sporting the cornrows. In a weird way we can thank Jerry Krause for Tyrus Thomas...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">There was no way in the world I thought Thabo was black. Being European white just automatically came to mind. And he is sporting the cornrows. In a weird way we can thank Jerry Krause for Tyrus Thomas...</div> Sefolosha was born in Switzerland. His dad is from South Africa and his mom is from Switzerland. I heard this during in interview on Comcast Sports Net, when they asked him about his backround... He also has 2 brothers and 2 sisters lol.
These two guys just look like they where meant to be Bulls. They will fit right in. Tyrus Thomas should definitely keep number 32 over number 24. It just seems like a better fit for him. Anyway, can’t wait to see them in training camp.
I cant wait to watch the Bulls next year, The Idea of Tyrus playing SF doesnt seem so far fetched now as it did before workouts. I really like Tyrus as most of you probably know, I think he'll be a valuable asset to the bulls and maybe even a game changing player not just on the defensive end. I cant wait to see him BG, and Tyson play together, Kirk will be running the show and Nocioni + Thabo could split time at 3 would be a very good lineup IMO, a defensive frontcourt is never a bad thing.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Buckets:</div><div class="quote_post">I cant wait to watch the Bulls next year, The Idea of Tyrus playing SF doesnt seem so far fetched now as it did before workouts. I really like Tyrus as most of you probably know, I think he'll be a valuable asset to the bulls and maybe even a game changing player not just on the defensive end. I cant wait to see him BG, and Tyson play together, Kirk will be running the show and Nocioni + Thabo could split time at 3 would be a very good lineup IMO, a defensive frontcourt is never a bad thing.</div> He won’t be playing small forward this season. Unless Skiles goes with a lineup with Nocioni at power forward and Thomas at small. Most of Tyrus’ playing time will come at the power forward slot, because that is our immediate need. We are stacked at small forward. I expect Tyrus to start from day one at power forward. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">[IMGR]http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/thomas_sefolosha_060630.jpg[/IMGR]Bulls.com: Your first workout for the Bulls got cut short, but you canceled a workout in Portland to make it up. How did you feel about your standing with the Bulls after the pair of sessions? Thomas: “I felt good, to be honest, but I knew that this was a business and that anything could happen. You might be the best player in the world, but it’s a business and if someone might be better for a certain team or organization, that’s the guy they might go with. I tried not to get my hopes up and just went with the flow. But I felt like things had gone pretty well here.” Bulls.com: John Paxson calls you a unique player with versatility that does not have a set position right now. Is that a good thing? Thomas: “I think so. I think that I can play several positions on the floor, both offensively and defensively. That’s exactly what makes my game unique. I’m happy to be here because I know that Coach Skiles and the rest of his staff are going to help polish all parts of my game. I can play the four, or I can play the three. On defense, depending on who is out there, I feel like I can guard just about anybody. I’m looking forward to polishing all the parts of my game, and hopefully becoming a terrific player down the road.” Bulls.com: You said before the draft that you didn’t get to play as much of a perimeter game at LSU as you would have liked. Do you think that will change in the NBA? Thomas: “I hope so. I’m just eager to get out on the practice floor and have Coach Skiles work with me on all aspects of my game. I’m ready to come to work and become a better player.” Bulls.com: Do you feel your outside jump shot has gotten more consistent this summer? Thomas: “Everyone says it has gotten more consistent, but how much did I really get to shoot it in college? I don’t think anyone can really gauge where it was then and where it is now because I didn’t shoot it a lot at LSU. I’m just ready to play ball right now.” Bulls.com: What do you think you need to do the most to adjust to playing at the next level? Thomas: “I’m just going to work on staying focused. I feel like if I can stay focused and work hard, everything else will fall into place.” Bulls.com: You’ve lived in Baton Rouge all your life, so you’ll encounter a major off the court change in scenery too. How do you think you’ll like living in Chicago? Thomas: “I’m a very low-key guy. The big city life won’t bother me. I might go down and watch a couple of WNBA games and I’m definitely going to take in a couple baseball games this summer. Later on, I hope to go to some football games, too. I’m not big into clubs or the nightlife, so they won’t have to worry about me. I’m excited about getting to know Chicago. I can’t wait to get downtown and look around.” Bulls.com: Your new teammates include Luol Deng, Andr?s Nocioni and Tyson Chandler. What do you know about those players’ games? Thomas: “I’ve watched all of those guys play and I hope to learn a lot from them. I think you have to respect the game, but you can’t fear it. I respect those guys for what they’ve done—I haven’t done anything yet. I respect them for what they’ve accomplished and where they’re at and I’m going to try and get all the knowledge and experience that I can from them when we’re on the floor and it’s time to work. I’ll be here ready to go.” Bulls.com: Do you have any expectations for what your rookie season might hold? Have you thought about any personal goals yet? Thomas: “I just hope to do my best. That’s all that I can expect out of myself. The only goal you can really set is to do your best. My best might not mean Rookie of the Year, but if it’s my best effort, then I can’t complain. I know that if I do my best, I’m going to be satisfied and everything else will take care of itself.” Bulls.com: What are your thoughts on playing summer league basketball? Thomas: “I’ll be there, that’s a definite. I’m excited and ready to play. I can’t wait to get together with the coaches to have them teach me and help with my experience.” Bulls.com: What do you know about fellow rookie and new teammate, Thabo Sefolosha, so far? Thomas: “Thabo and I actually worked out in the same gym in Orlando once before the draft. He’s a good player from what I know. I haven’t seen him on film, but I think he’s going to be alright. I’m just glad I have another guy around who’s going to be a rookie so we can go through this thing together. Hopefully, we’ll make it easier for each other.” Bulls.com: Now that you’ve got that Bulls jersey across your chest, how does it feel? Thomas: “First off, depending on what happens with Othella Harrington and the Bulls, I’d like to change my number to 24. My number in college was 12, and my friend, Ryan Francis who played at USC [and was fatally shot], also wore number 12. I’m going to put our numbers together to make 24 if Othella doesn’t return. Otherwise, I’ll stick with 32. I knew Ryan since we were about eight or nine years old. He wasn’t a high school teammate; actually we were rivals in high school, but we played in summer leagues together all the time. We’d go head-to-head and go at it, then after the game we’d hang out. But it feels good to have the Bulls jersey on. I’m ready to play.”</div> Source Now that I know the reason for him wanting to wear 24 I'm hoping he gets the number.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NaKz:</div><div class="quote_post">i think tyrus needs to smile more</div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NaKz:</div><div class="quote_post">i think tyrus needs to smile more</div> That's the exact thing I was thinking. Him during interviews, he usually never smiles, even when someone makes a joke or something. But, I guess that may be a good thing, because he seemed serious about it. Thabo seems like a cool laid back guy during interviews. Just happy to be the 1st Switzerland player in the NBA.
Here's some interesting things. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> <font size=""3"">Thabo Sefolosha file</font> By Brian Hamilton Tribune staff reporter Published June 28, 2006 The Bulls slid to No. 4 for their first pick, then jumped to No. 13 to nab their next selection, a guard who doesn't need a footstool to guard the likes of LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. The basics Thabo Patrick Sefolosha is a 6-foot 5-inch, 215-pound shooting guard, born May 2, 1984, in Vevey, Switzerland. He spent his first three pro seasons in France, then played last season for Angelico Biella in the Italian Serie A. The number Played only 21 games for his Italian team in its 2005-06 season, averaging 12 points. The bonus In 2002 the official Web site for the Union of European Leagues of Basketball Cup quoted Sefolosha's career goal thusly: "I want to be the best Swiss basketball player ever." How he fits ? Perhaps not as much a ready-for-prime-time player as some of the other off-guard prospects, but measuring his experience is not as important as measuring to the top of his head. At 6-5, he's the actual big guard at the big guard spot that the Bulls need to bump up against the shooting guards in the East. He can play defense at three positions. ? and why he might not He put up decent shooting numbers in Italy?50 percent shooting from the floor, 43.6 percent from the international three-point line?but Web reports on his workouts produced a mixed reaction on his shooting range. While the slashing Sefolosha fits the "drive" part of the Bulls' drive-and-kick offense, it's what he can do on the "kick" portion that may be a concern out of a two-guard. The rewind Quick: Name the greatest Swiss basketball player of all time. While you take a few days to figure that out, there's this: A Web search for "Swiss basketball" turned up as many hits for K-Swiss shoes than actual Swiss basketball. Oddly, this sort of Swiss basketball vacuum prompted Sefolosha to get a tattoo that reads, "The Game Chose Me." Why? "The reason I got it is because basketball is so unpopular in Switzerland," he told reporters after a workout for the Hornets. "I didn't grow up in a family where anyone played basketball, so I wasn't really born to do it. That's why I say the game chose me." Under the surface This pick brings the Bulls a pretty fresh perspective. Sefolosha's mother, according to his bio, is an accomplished artist. His father, Pat, was the lead singer of the band The Malopoets. A brief 1985 New York Times review of the group's music revealed the songs were actually prayers for families torn apart by South Africa's resettlement policies. Indeed, because of apartheid in that nation?Sefolosha's mother is white, his father black?the family moved to Switzerland. Final word "He gives them one of the pieces they've been lacking, bringing size and athleticism to that backcourt."?ESPN analyst Greg Anthony </div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"><font size=""3"">Tyrus Thomas file</font> By Brian Hamilton Tribune staff reporter Published June 29, 2006 The Bulls selected LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas with their No. 2 pick, then dealt him to Portland for the No. 4 selection?the guy the Bulls wanted anyway?Tyrus Thomas of LSU. Staff writer Brian Hamilton breaks down the first newest Bull of the night.The basics Tyrus Wayne Thomas is a 6-foot-9-inch, 215-pound power forward, born Aug. 17, 1986, in Baton Rouge, La. He attended McKinley High School in Baton Rouge and then moved down the block to LSU, playing just one season after redshirting his first year because of a neck injury. The number His 99 blocked shots last season was the fourth-best total in school history, and the best by anyone other than Shaquille O'Neal. The bonus Thomas' favorite dish, according to his profile, is fried fish and potato salad. Note to chefs at Nobu or mK: Add fried fish and potato salad to the menu. How he fits ? How can the Bulls put themselves in an Amare Stoudemire mood? By drafting the closest thing to his clone in this draft. Assuming he puts on a little weight, Thomas provides them a gifted, athletic player who can guard three or four spots and has enough raw offensive skills to develop into a versatile contributor. As for a frontline combo of Thomas and Tyson Chandler ? anyone want to dust off the "SWAT Team" moniker? ? and why he might not The Bulls need low-post scoring and need it in a bad way, and Thomas averaged just 12.3 points per game in his lone college season. Whether the Bulls can dump it down to Thomas in the post and expect consistent production is questionable. Aside from Italian prospect Andrea Bargnani, Thomas might be the least NBA-ready player among the top prospects, meaning the Bulls might not have a difference-maker for 2006-07. The rewind For those concerned about Thomas' offensive abilities, his high school coach, Chauncey Moore, said, "When we were running our fast breaks, he was the one leading the break with the ball. Sometimes he got the benefit to finish, but the majority of the time he led the break. You guys who saw him play in college really didn't get a chance to see him play. You just saw half of it. You guys only saw just a preview of it." Under the surface Bulls' wives, rejoice. You may be able to save on a nanny if Thomas ever idles on the injured list and needs to occupy himself during games. "You got many people around here, including myself, who would trust our toddlers with him," Moore said. "He's probably one of the best babysitters there is. ? He keeps my son sometimes when we go to games. My son won't sit with me. He wants to go sit with Tyrus." Final word "Tyrus Thomas is a freakish athlete."?ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. </div> Source: chicagotribune
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SP23:</div><div class="quote_post"> what is he so ticked about? he just got picked 2nd in the draft (not technically, but whatever) and will be contending for a title in a few years, hopefully.
He may not smile but it sure seems like he has a focus and dedication for basketball which is great. I think he'll turn out alright here and gain some muscle because of his work ethic. I'm excited for the upcoming year.
He just needs to turn out better than Curry. Thats all i'm hoping for. But I do agree he does seem very focused and dedicated.
