Bulls’ Young Talent Gears Up for NBA Summer League

The young players of the Chicago Bulls are fully prepared to make an impact at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. As they embark on their 11-day journey at Desert Horizons, these players are armed with the essentials: deodorant to ensure they stay fresh, a blanket to stay warm, a flashlight to navigate through any challenges, and flip flops to excel on both offense and defense.

Among the newcomers, second-round draft pick Julian Phillips and undrafted Adama Sanogo are particularly eager to immerse themselves in this experience. Phillips, during the Bulls’ media availability session, expressed his anticipation for adjusting to the NBA game and recognizing the disparities in size, speed, and strength compared to college basketball.

He aims to develop a better understanding of the professional game throughout the week and make progress in various aspects of his game, including versatility, defense, and shooting accuracy. Phillips, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing around 200 pounds, has drawn comparisons to former Bull Derrick Jones Jr. due to his explosive athleticism and impressive vertical leap, which he showcased at the NBA Draft Combine.

I will never be able to read this again without thinking of those who believed in lockdowns, masks, and mRNA shots:

"Elijah then said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one young bull and prepare it first, for there are more of you. Call upon your gods, but do not start the fire.”…
— Fr. John Naugle (@FatherNaugle) July 17, 2023

While Phillips contemplates the possibility of participating in a dunk contest, his immediate focus is securing a spot on the Bulls’ roster. The team has expressed confidence in him and has high expectations for his performance. Phillips is determined to work hard and meet those expectations.

The Bulls may have discovered a hidden gem in UConn center Adama Sanogo. Standing at a physical 6-foot-9 and weighing 245 pounds, Sanogo possesses a soft touch and excellent hands, making him a formidable presence in the post.

Hailing from Mali, he quickly adapted to the English language and found success on the basketball court, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player in Connecticut’s 2023 NCAA championship victory. As these young Bulls embark on their Summer League journey, they are eager to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success.

Sanogo Shines in Title Game with Impressive Stats. Adama Sanogo delivered an outstanding performance in the title game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Throughout the six tournament games, he averaged 19.6 points and 9.8 rebounds, recording four double-doubles.

Despite not attempting any three-pointers in his first two college seasons, Sanogo displayed significant improvement in his shooting during his final year at UConn, making 36.5% of his attempts. His exceptional performance led to him becoming the first African player since Hakeem Olajuwon to be named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

Notably, Sanogo achieved this feat while fasting for Ramdan, showcasing his resilience and dedication. As he prepares for the Summer League, Sanogo is determined to contribute in any way he can. He aims to compete, stay true to himself, and prioritize teamwork, displaying his abilities as a great teammate and a fierce competitor.

The Summer League provides him with an opportunity to prove himself and he is eager to showcase his skills, give his all for the team, and play with intensity. Sanogo also expressed a desire to work on his defensive versatility, particularly in switching onto smaller players.

He likened himself to Xavier Tillman of the Memphis Grizzlies, a hard-working interior player known for his physicality. Sanogo’s maturity is evident as he refrains from making lofty comparisons to Hall of Famers, focusing instead on his own development.

The Bulls’ Summer League schedule commences with a game against the Toronto Raptors campers on Friday at 5:30 p.m. CT. The progress of Dalen Terry, the Bulls’ 2022 first-round draft pick, is expected to be a highlight of the summer for the team. Terry was unable to address reporters due to a facial injury sustained during practice, though the severity of the injury was not specified.

Looking ahead, Phillips and Sanogo face an uphill battle in terms of earning minutes and establishing themselves in the Bulls’ rotation this season. Phillips, a highly regarded high school recruit hailing from Texas but raised in South Carolina, joined the University of Tennessee last season and started in 25 games.

However, his shooting efficiency was subpar, resulting in an average of 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. The Bulls selected him as the 35th pick in the draft after acquiring a second-round pick. Phillips brings the type of athleticism and disruptive defense that aligns with the Bulls’ preferences.

While the team aims to acquire players with more accurate three-point shooting during free agency, Phillips’ shooting from beyond the arc is an area that needs improvement, as he shot only 24% on threes and went 0-for-3 in the NCAA tournament. However, his solid free throw percentage of 82% indicates a competent shooting stroke, suggesting room for growth in his shooting abilities.

Nevertheless, it is Phillips’ remarkable athletic potential that has impressed the Bulls the most. Assistant coach John Bryant spoke highly of Phillips, highlighting his exceptional vertical jump, ability to run the floor, slashing skills, and driving ability. With his length, athleticism, and lateral quickness, Phillips has displayed defensive prowess during camp, making it difficult for opponents to bypass him.

The Bulls are excited to witness the full extent of his abilities and hope he realizes the potential of his athletic gifts, considering them a superpower on the court. It is worth noting that Bryant has only had a few days to assess Phillips, so he refrains from making definitive judgments but recognizes his defensive talents. Sanogo may not possess elite shot-blocking or rim-protecting skills due to his lack of quickness.

However, his strong physique and willingness to run the court make him a valuable asset in small-ball lineups, which the Bulls frequently employ. Sanogo, along with 6-foot-11 Jontay Porter, the brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., is one of the few centers on the Bulls’ Summer League roster.

Notably, Marko Simonović is not listed on the roster. Sanogo’s journey to the Bulls from West Africa is quite remarkable, as he initially played soccer until the age of 12. He then went on to attend various prep schools in the United States before spending three years at the University of Connecticut, where he became a starter just one week into his freshman season. Throughout his collegiate career, Sanogo averaged 13.9 points and 7.3 rebounds, shooting an impressive 61% during his final season.

As the young players gear up for Summer League, they are encouraged to work on their shooting accuracy and seize the opportunities presented to them. Additionally, they are reminded to enjoy the experience and avoid getting overwhelmed.

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