<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>With veteran Joe Smith doubtful for Tuesday's exhibition opener because of swelling in his right knee, either Noah or second-year forward Tyrus Thomas will start at power forward against the Bucks. But if you're thinking Noah has lofty goals like how to slap palms with Ben Wallace during player introductions if he's the starter, think again. "It's not a question of playing with the starters or the second team; it's about learning the plays," Noah said after practice. "I have a hard time with that. It takes me a while. It's a new system." Hey, you have to start somewhere, even if La Crosse, Wis. — the site of Tuesday night's game — is a long way from the spotlight of NCAA stardom. Count Bulls coach Scott Skiles among the group of those excited to see Noah make his NBA debut. "What he does he does well; he's a good ballhandler and passer," Skiles said. "He's going to be a very good defender. He just has a lot to learn, like any other NBA rookie. It's just going to come down to how quickly he can pick up the things we're trying to do." Ben Gordon rolled his ankle slightly during practice Monday, and Thabo Sefolosha strained his right hamstring during Sunday's fan-friendly scrimmage at the United Center. Those aches and pains, along with Skiles' desire to limit regulars like Wallace, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich to less than 20 minutes, are why the Bulls' goals are modest for now. In fact, Skiles said his only hopes are effort, organization and getting the rookies in game situations. Noah, who continues to rehabilitate his right shoulder daily and said it's feeling better, is ready. "I don't know how much playing time I'm going to get or what's going to happen," he said. "All I know is I'm going to work hard when my name is called and learn and become the best player I can be. That's the only expectation I put on myself. "I just want to learn. That's the most important thing. There's been a lot of information thrown at you in the last 10 days."</div></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>But players like Thomas and Sefolosha, while improving, still have plenty to learn. So does Noah, whom Wallace disputed is a slow learner. "He's been doing a great job," Wallace said. "He's a guy you can coach and talk to. He asks a lot of questions. That's what you want to see from a young guy." Tuesday's final score won't be as important as the Bulls' play. "It will be good to be out there against another team," Noah said. "Everyone's hungry and humble and ready to do something special this year."</div></p> KC Johnson / Chicago Tribune</p>
