tag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=2Latest News2018-12-03T00:44:18-06:00ChicagolandSportsRadiofalsetag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/55274802018-11-25T23:05:00-06:002024-03-25T08:12:26-05:00WCB Home Woes Continue<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style='font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;'>Paul Pleticha</span><br><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br></div>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;'>The Windy City Bulls fell to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 105-100 on Sunday afternoon at the Sears Centre Arena. </span><span style='font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;'>The Bulls were led once again by star rookie Rawle Alkins who scored a team-high 18 points and had 2 assists and grabbed two rebounds. V.J. Beachem recorded 14 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and had 4 assists coming off the bench. Kaiser Gates had his first career start today and added 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a block. “ Kaiser open some things up for us. Which you saw in the first quarter obviously scoring 32 out the gate. We haven’t done that very many times this year.” Coach Henry commenting on his decision to start Gates over Ferrakohn Hall who pitched in with 10 points in a reserve role off the bench. CJ Fair completed his eighth consecutive double figure scoring game with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Although this wasn’t enough especially on the defensive side of the ball for the Bulls as they let the Mad Ants grab 17 offensive rebounds in the game. Coach Henry said this about those rebounds after the game “If exposed the fact we gotta be tougher, we gotta be grittier and we gotta do it with all five guys.” </span><span style='font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;'>The Mad Ants played today’s game without their leading scorer Edmond Sumner, who averages 24 points per game. He was called up to the Pacers late Saturday night as the team arrived to their hotel. Rob Gray stepped up for his team in a big way to help fill in the hole left by Sumner with a game-high 21 points off the bench. Stephan Hicks tallied 19 points while also grabbing rebounds, while Omari Johnson had 17 points with 6 boards, Davon Reed recorded a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double and Alize Johnson, one of the G League’s top rebounders, score 14 points to go along with a career-high 21 rebounds and 5 assists. The Mad Ants as a whole grabbed 51 rebounds which definitely helped them defeat the Bulls who only managed 35 boards in Sunday’s game. </span><span style='font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;'>Windy City is now 1-8 all-time against Fort Wayne and have lost the last 6 head-to-head matchups. </span><span style='font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;'>Windy City will start an east coast road trip consisting of three games starting with the Westchester Knicks this Tuesday November 27th.</span>
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</div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/55272292018-11-25T12:39:00-06:002023-12-10T13:23:49-06:00Bulls Win Streak Ends at 3<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-fb125451-7fff-1b28-1d15-ec3318bfdde8"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Windy City Bulls had their three game winning come to an end with a loss to the Long Island Nets on Friday night 113-99 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br></b><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> This was the Bulls third straight loss at home after winning their home opener on November 2nd. The Bulls were led by Rawle Alkins who scored a game-high 29 points and had a career-high eight rebounds, two steals and two assists. Alkins scored 22 of his 29 points in the 4th quarter. CJ Fair contributed 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Mychal Mulder tallied 11 points and four rebounds. However that wasn’t enough to help the Bulls after they had trouble shooting from beyond the arc going 6-29 on the night. </span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br></b><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> The Nets bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season Tuesday night against the Westchester Knicks 93-90. The Nets had two assignment players Friday night, Dzanan Musa and Rodions Kurucs. Reserve player Mitchell Creek scored a career-high 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds and two assists. Jordan McLaughlin tallied 17 points and four assists while coming off the bench. Musa had 16 points while pulling in 6 rebounds and finding his teammates for 3 assists. Kurucs contributed 13 points , 4 rebounds and 3 assists. The Nets move to a record of 5-1 keeping their lead in the eastern conference. The Nets next game is later tonight against the Grand Rapids Drive. </span></div><br><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The Bulls fall to a record of 4-6 heading into this Sunday’s game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at 2pm at the Sears Centre arena in Hoffman Estates. </span></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/55136462018-11-14T13:13:00-06:002023-12-10T11:10:20-06:00Windy City Bulls lose 4th Straight<br><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;'>Paul Pleticha<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;'>Hoffman Estates, IL- </span></b><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;'>The Windy City Bulls lose to Raptors 905 111-91 in Hoffman Estates yesterday to extend their losing streak to four games. <p></p></span>
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;'>The Bulls played without their star two-way player Tyler Ulis, who was a late scratch by coach Charlie Henry. However with the absence of Tyler Ulis four different Bulls players stepped up and scored in the double digits. CJ Fair finished with a season high 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals in thirty minutes of playing time. Two-way player Rawle Alkins tied his career-high 16 points while adding six rebounds. V.J Beachem and Mychal Mulder each added 15 points each and nine rebounds from Mulder. But it was still not enough for Windy City to overcome Raptors 905.<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;'>Raptors 905 was led by two-way player Chris Boucher tallied 24 points and 16 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Their other two-way player Jordan Loyd finished with 20 points and five rebounds, while Christian Watford added 15 points coming off the bench. Deng Adel ended with 14 points and eight rebounds, Uche Ofoegbu and Kay Felder had 12 points each with Felder contributing seven assists as well.<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;'>With the loss the Bulls fall to three games under .500 with a record of 1-4. This 20-point win is the largest margin victory in Raptors 905 history and the Bulls largest margin of defeat since losing 124-103 on Jan. 31, 2018 to the Salt Lake City Stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;'>The Bulls will begin a four game road trip on Wednesday night in Memphis facing the Hustle on ESPN+ <p></p></span></div><br>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/50731062018-02-10T16:07:00-06:002024-02-21T06:36:22-06:00Windy City Back too it's Winning Way!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">The Windy City Bulls snapped their 6 game losing streak last night against the Canton Charge 102-96. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">Bulls guard Antonio Blakeney found his rhythm early in the game scoring 29 points shooting 11/19 from the field and contributing defensively with 7 rebounds; in just 3 quarters. Blakeney sat out the fourth quarter as head coach Charlie Henry relied heavily on his bench to carry the team to a victory. Implementing guys like Tyler Harris, Karrington Ward and newcomer Stephan Hannah allowed players who normally have to carry the team all four quarters to catch a breather. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">Bulls Jarell Eddie bringing a sense of leadership to the team in the fourth quarter, had 19 points and 7 rebounds. The Bulls had an easy win last night. But like every team the Canton Charge will make adjustments tonight as they finish up a back to back with the Windy City Bulls. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">“We will have to review footage, make some adjustments. I’m sure Canton will go back and make some adjustments as well” said Antonio Blakeney.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">The Bulls will have to make smarter shot selections tonight. Improve their ball handling and improve their points in the paint to win tonight’s game. Tip off is at 7 pm.</span>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/50731072018-02-10T16:06:00-06:002023-12-10T11:50:47-06:00WCB look to end the drought of W's<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Tonight the Windy City Bulls host the Canton Drive as they look to snap a 6 game losing streak. After their loss to the Grand Rapids Drive Wednesday night. The Bulls will have to find a way to get back into playoff contention taking advantage of a 6 game home stand. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Bulls will need to have more of a presence in the paint going into tonight’s game. They Often struggle to play defense as the opposing team drives to the paint. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“We have to finish defensive possessions with defensive rebounds” said Bulls guard Jarell Eddie.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Staying consistent defensively and making better shot selections should secure a win they need badly. </span>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/50731082018-02-10T16:05:00-06:002022-08-04T07:26:58-05:00Skid hits 6 vs Grand Rapids<br><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Windy City Bulls have yet to snap a six game losing streak falling to the Grand Rapids Drive 122-117. With the Bulls trailing most of the game. They had the chance to catch up late in the fourth quarter. But failed to do so despite bringing it the score to within 5. </div><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Bulls leading scorer Antonio Blakeney struggled to find a shooting rhythm, Wednesday night, he was 6/23 from the field and 2/11 from the 3 point line. On assignment from the Chicago Bulls was Cameron Payne; he had the hot hand scoring 29 pts. Fresh off of a 10 day contract; Jarell Eddie had a solid game as well, scoring 16 pts and was a solid 4/4 from the three point line.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Despite solid shooting from Eddie and Payne; the Bulls struggled to find a presence in the paint. Failing to control Grand Rapids Drive’s Landry Nnoko. Nnoko proving he was a force to be reckoned with, he had a solid double double adding 23 points and 22 rebounds to secure the win for the Drive.</span>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/50343732018-01-20T11:23:00-06:002023-12-10T10:56:48-06:00Time to Stomp on the Herd?<div style='background-color: white; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;'><div class="_rp_q6 _rp_r6" style="margin-left: 43px; padding: 0px 5px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="ms-font-weight-regular ms-font-color-neutralDark rpHighlightAllClass rpHighlightBodyClass _rp_s6" id="Conversation.FossilizedTextBody" style='color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; padding-top: 10px;'>
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<div class="ms-border-color-neutralTertiaryAlt" style="border-color: rgb(200, 200, 200); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 2px; padding-left: 10px;">Will the Windy City Bulls be able to turn a mini winning streak into a full on run? The Bulls have won their last two games with Antonio Blakeney and Jaylen Johnson leading the way in points and rebounds. Antonio Blakeney leading the league in scoring with an average of 34.3 PPG and Jaylen Johnson continuing his double scoring streak to 11 with a career high of 29 points on 12 of 18 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds.<br>So what can the Bulls do to continue their winning streak? Bulls head coach Charlie Henry believes they have all the ingredients to finish out games. " They are willing and hungry to close out games" the key to closing out games is "staying consistency defensively all four quarters" said Henry.<br>The Bulls face the Wisconsin Herd tonight. They are 1 and 1 this season against the Herd. The Bulls will have to do without Diamond Stone who was traded to Salt Lake City on January 17th. Guard Jarell Eddie signed a 10 game contract with the Boston Celtics today and will also not be with the Bulls. The Bulls will adjust their lineup with new edition's Christiano Felicio and Paul Zipser who are on assignment from the Chicago Bulls.<br>Coach Henry favors his Bulls for winning tonight's game. His key to the game are to:</div>
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<br>•Take care of home court<br>•Do the same things they talk about everyday<br>• Do not stray from who they are as a team unit<br>Overall Coach Henry is pleased with how the team has progressed. Tip off is at 7pm</div>
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</div></div></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/48021342017-08-03T14:35:00-05:002023-12-10T13:42:11-06:00Bears Training Camp Day 8: 8/3/17<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By Ryan Fahey- RFahey@beonair.com<p></p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BOURBONNAIS- To give a lead in into Thursday’s workload, yesterday finally saw the emergence of Bears WR Kevin White stand out yesterday at day 7 of training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Why day 7 you may ask? <p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Was it because of his WR coach publicly describing his mind set? Could it have been watching his good ‘ol days from his college career at West Virginia?<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Regardless of the story you want to believe, this has seem to fuel White, who even tweeted about the drama surrounding the situation, and who has yet to fully make an impact on this team due to injuries, is hoping to put all that aside. <p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Speaking of returns, offensive guard Josh Sitton made his 2017 training camp debut as well. Sitton yesterday was asked after his day 1 of camp here in ONU if he knew who the best meat smoker on the team was. Let’s just say he’s not the guy with an answer to that.<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now onward to today’s news/notes:<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As practice was beginning, the lighting siren went off and the team went back into the locker rooms. It was later then announced that the remainder of the day was going to be held in the Birchard Gymnasium. For the most part everything that took place on the inside portion of practice. <p></p></span>
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Head coach John Fox, when asked about Floyd’s adjustment in year 2: “They’re not thinking…it’s a reaction game… fit certain blocks, fit in coverages… cut loose and let your ability and reaction time set in.” <p></p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Adam Shaheen, who arguably is the best TE out of training camp so far, has done well in the eyes of his HC. “He has the makeup, size, length, body type.” Fox happily mentioned. “He’s been impressive and I think he’s got a bright future. For a bigger man, he has really good body control. Has really good feet and hands.”<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fox was also asked about QB Mark Sanchez and if he's still able to play: “I’ve always been impressed with him… high pick coming out of the draft… the way he’s conducted himself.. I think he’s a very valuable asset for us.”<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After practice concluded, Leonard Floyd spoke about the recovery he was going through and being vocal. “I feel like I should speak out about. I won’t speak about my injuries again.” When asked about what he’s learned from the veterans? Floyd: “They always give me insight on things… things I can improve on. And as a player I listen to it and go out and do better.” <p></p></span>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">LB Jerrell Freeman spoke about his time in practice: “Understand the communication… take the right steps… and pay attention to detail.” <p></p></span>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WR Victor Cruz echoed those same thoughts, especially on Cam Meredith. “I can see some flashes… the sky is the limit for him, pay attention to detail. There’s always room for improvement… even when he becomes a 2-3 time pro bowler.” Now that’s a pretty big time statement. So what makes Victor think that he has what it takes to be a pro bowler? “His route running abilities… he’s obviously got the size and strength to do it… his catching abilities are well… this offense suits him well and he’s relished in this opportunity.” Cruz is a veteran WR in the league, and when he speaks, the young receivers listen. Cruz: “It’s weird because when I start talking or whenever I give a coaching point they’re just like (insert awed and shocked face) he’s talking to us! It’s a good feeling… I just want to tell them the right thing.”<p></p></span>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Coming off of a 3-13 season, there’s always plenty to talk about with this team, even in light of today’s schedule in Bourbonnais. With today being a light walkthrough for the team here at ONU, nothing much has really changed based on how yesterday went in terms of personnel or injury update. Tomorrow the team is expected to be in pads, a more intense style of practice, and hopefully a much better weather forecast. With tomorrow be a closed practice from the public eye, 1<sup>st</sup> round of camp in Bourbonnais concludes tomorrow with Saturday being family fest at Soldier Field at 3PM. The team then will have an off day on Sunday, before heading back to the campus of ONU on Monday to resume training camp.<p></p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><br><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If YOU have ever thought about a career in media, check out the Illinois Media School. For more information, go to BeOnAir.com or call (630) 916-1700. The Illinois Media School: Be on TV, Be on Radio, Be on Air dot com!<p></p></span></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/47192132017-05-23T11:08:13-05:002023-12-10T11:18:10-06:00Do We Have a Series in the Eastern Conference Finals?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/172532/26970b1e1721b415d989b9ca23a3aa74ba41b450/original/smart-in-ecf.jpg?1495556000" class="size_l justify_center border_" />(Photo courtesy of Ken Blaze/USA Today Sports)</p>
<p>The last 3 minutes of game 3, was (and is) the craziest 3 minutes in any of the NBA playoff series' thus far. Going back and forth, lead changes, tie ball games, drama, everything that was missing in the first two games was given to viewers in game 3. With no Isiah Thomas (hip) for the remainder of the series and being down by 20 plus at one point in the game, it looked like another lackluster performance from Friday night in Boston. However, the Boston Celtics had other plans and took game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals and it looks like Boston may give the Cavs a series after all. Marcus Smart led the Celtics in scoring with 27, he was one of seven players to score in double digits for Boston. Smart's 3rd quarter performance was key in the comeback win. Another key player in the game was Jonas Jerebko off the bench with 10 points as well as Kelly Olynyk. (15 pts) Jerebko's high energy and scrappy play (also jawing with Cavs players) gave the Celtics the proper energy to perform and comeback to win. Avery Bradley's last second three that rattled, bounced, danced, whatever you want to call it went in with just 0.01 seconds left to give the Celtics the win. Without Thomas, can they count on Bradley to be the hero again or will someone else step up? One thing most fans can count on: Lebron James will have a better game than his 11 total points in game 3. Game 4 is at 7:30 on Tuesday night on TNT.</p>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/46614542017-04-06T14:41:00-05:002023-12-10T10:44:32-06:00Season Winds down for WCB<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{135}" paraid="424037993" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">By Colin </span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Mieczkowski</span></span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{138}" paraid="1276449166" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{142}" paraid="1439631371" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">The Windy City Bulls season is coming to a close and we have had the opportunity to witness players from the Chicago Bulls come to the D-League and show off their skills. Among the key contributors from the parent club included Paul </span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Zipser</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, Jerian Grant, Bobby Portis, and the latest, Cameron Payne. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{145}" paraid="560900823" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{149}" paraid="1051361227" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Zipser</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and Grant specifically were regulars, playing more than two games for the squad throughout the season. One of the shining moments for Windy City came from Grant, who hit a buzzer-beating shot on Dec. 9 against the Canton Charge. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{152}" paraid="2146191491" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{156}" paraid="1283445775" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">In that game, Grant would drop 20 points and dish out eight assists with the game-winner being the final blow. Bobby Portis also had his big moment with Windy City, dropping 32 points against the Westchester Knicks on Jan. 6. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{159}" paraid="1118022583" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{163}" paraid="1776609045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Denzel Valentine also had his shot with the WCB, where he broke the single game three-point record with eight. Eventually, former D-League 3-point shootout champion </span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Jarell</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Eddie would take over that spot. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{166}" paraid="877963458" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{170}" paraid="1269977726" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Almost every time a player from Chicago is called down to play for Windy City, the team wins. This shows how important it is to bring young talent down to the D-League. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{173}" paraid="16719622" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{177}" paraid="1321668909" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Not only does this develop skills, but it also makes Windy City that much better. It was also long overdue for Chicago to have a D-League squad. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{180}" paraid="2009146920" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{184}" paraid="1619422266" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Players who get called down don’t have to go far to get to the Sears Centre located in Hoffman Estates, IL. With guys coming up and down, it’s an easy trip, with what is normally a roller coaster life. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{187}" paraid="1196827027" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{191}" paraid="113943899" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">It has also helped players such as Grant, normally known for his ability to drive to the basket, deepen his offensive skills. In the month of February, Grant shot 48% from behind the three-point line for Chicago. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{194}" paraid="541535069" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{198}" paraid="164929665" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">This is something the NBA Bulls needed, especially after parting ways with Doug McDermott, one of the team’s best three point shooters. Giving young players a chance to develop will be huge for the organization in the future, making the addition of Windy City a great fit. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{201}" paraid="82045212" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{205}" paraid="1314165206" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Portis, who was given the opportunity to really shine for Windy City, gave credit to the D-League team for his development. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{208}" paraid="1398504242" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{212}" paraid="855739649" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“It was fun being down there to get some reps so I can come back” Portis said. “Everyone embraced me and let me do my thing and I had a great time”. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{215}" paraid="64625946" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{219}" paraid="303694150" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Portis said this during a night where he had 17 points on an amazing 72% shooting from the floor including grabbing 11 boards. Although the Bulls would lose the game against the Philadelphia 76ers, he was one of the young players that shined. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{222}" paraid="1627306671" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{226}" paraid="1989159050" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Coach Nate </span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Loenser</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, who has gotten his first head coaching opportunity, has done a solid job with a roster that constantly changes. Portis gave praise to the former Bulls video coordinator. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{229}" paraid="127786189" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{233}" paraid="672914134" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“It was great, I’ve known him for two years now” Portis said. “He was our video guy last year, and in the Summer League he had the chance to coach us too so I had a great feel for him and I think he’ll be a great coach for them (WC Bulls)”. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{236}" paraid="673727305" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{240}" paraid="315035318" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">No doubt that the young </span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Loenser</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> (37) has become popular with his players. When the team is in the huddles, and as </span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Loenser</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> draws up his plan, player chatter stops, and everyone stops to listen to him. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{243}" paraid="491833630" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{247}" paraid="1613542367" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">He’s a player’s type of coach, and that bodes well for players coming down from Chicago. And his ability to be able to coach both young and experienced talent is remarkable, and is a big reason why, when players come down from the NBA, they help Windy City win games. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{250}" paraid="854012315" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{f1ae1127-a13e-4f84-8612-af8eba99d7f8}{254}" paraid="181496751" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">It’s always exciting to watch young players develop, and with the Windy City Bulls right at the Sears Centre, it gives local fans a chance to witness future stars. The Windy City Bulls close out the season Saturday, April 1st, tip-off is at 7pm. </span><span class="EOP SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span>
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{3476e030-67b1-413e-b2ab-a761f56bc425}{2}" paraid="592884288" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><br></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;'><div class="Paragraph SCX140752646" paraeid="{3476e030-67b1-413e-b2ab-a761f56bc425}{6}" paraid="1327277076" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="TextRun SCX140752646" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Don’t forget that you can listen to the game and read up about the squad on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. You can follow Colin </span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>Mieczkowski</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> on Twitter @</span><span class="SpellingError SCX140752646" style='-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;'>ChiGolfRadio</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX140752646" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. </span></span></div></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/46134742017-03-02T10:37:22-06:002023-12-10T12:40:53-06:00The Chronicles of Boogie<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/172532/6003d6894b4a226cdbab6e2aac04dea31b1e21a0/original/demarcus-cousins.jpg?1488472672" class="size_l justify_center border_" />February 14th, 2017<br><br>Demarcus “Boogie” Cousins is the best center in the league. That’s a fact with all due respect to Deandre Jordan, Andre Drummond and the starting center for the Western conference this year Anthony Davis. At 26, he is in the prime of his career averaging 27.8 points (top five in the NBA), 10.7 rebounds and he leads his team in assists per game. New Orleans may not be much better off but certainly without Cousins the Kings could very well be last in the league. Another stat that pops out is Cousins leads the league in technical fouls with 17, already matching his total from last year. On the latest technical he received Cousins said “It’s obvious I can’t be myself...me playing how I play is what makes me the player that I am. Obviously it’s not acceptable, so I’m trying to find a way to, you know, do what these guys are asking me to do. It’s not easy, but I’m trying to find a way.” </p>
<p>Despite all of the talent that Cousins shows on the court, he is constantly in the headlines for his arguments with referees and those aforementioned technicals he receives. A player of his caliber could be the focal point of any great offense but he has spent his last several years in Sacramento never on a team with a winning season. So you have to ask yourself, why can’t the Kings build around Boogie? It’s a complicated answer with a carousel of coaches since Cousins arrived in Sacramento and another one of sidekicks to the big man. Tyreke Evans, Rudy Gay and a bunch of others have tried to succeed alongside Cousins only to fail. Blame has to circle back to the top with current owner of the Kings, Vivik Ranadive. </p>
<p>Ranadive became to the owner of the franchise back in 2013 and he has been miserable in the three years since. He claimed that it was a “ghost town” when he took over but kept around GM Geoff Petrie, whom he recently took shots at being one of the staff that didn’t want to be there when he took over the crumbling franchise. Petrie, a two time NBA Executive of the Year, did in fact want to be there per an interview with Deadspin. “I thought it was kind of a rambling attempt at revisionist history” said Petrie. “A lot of what he said doesn't really ... if you look back on the three-and-a-half years that he's been the managing owner, it doesn't really fit with a lot of the history.” The two not getting along was the first step in failing to build around Demarcus Cousins. </p>
<p>As good as Petrie was as a GM landing Cousins, in the few years after getting him he couldn’t assemble a good supporting cast. Since Petrie’s departure, Vlade Divac has taken over the day to day with the Kings roster and tried unsuccessfully to make the team competitive again. In the past three drafts the Kings selected Nik Stauskas, Willie Cauley-Stein and most recently Marquese Chriss. Stauskas and Cauley-Stein have been average at best players while the Kings traded Chriss to the Suns ultimately for Georgios Papagiannis. Chriss is getting quality minutes as a rookie for the Suns while Papagiannis has appeared in three games this season for Sacramento. </p>
<p>It’s clear based on these past few years that this roster can’t help Cousins lead his franchise back to the winning ways of the early 2000’s. While this has been going on the Kings are clinging to Boogie for dear life with talk of a max contract worth $200 million ready to be signed in the coming summer. It’s hard for anyone, let alone an NBA All-Star center, to walk away from that kind of money and be the face of franchise. The reality is, Cousins is probably better suited not signing such a deal and letting himself become a free agent in a couple of years. The reasoning would be the instability of the franchise hanging on in Sacramento and Divac not delivering on promises of assembling a team around him that can compete in the West. The most important reason? A fresh start. </p>
<p>Boogie has clashed with coaches, the media and teammates in his six years in the league. Part of that is inexcusable. However there is a lot to be said for a guy who goes out every night and outplays anyone at the same position as him. Cousins has given some of his best years to a team that has not reciprocated the effort. They fail to offer foresight or creativity in the draft and free agency. They’re banking on Cousins staying around for the next six years and him being able to compete for a title in his early thirties. If the history of the franchise has taught Cousins anything at this point it should be that he cannot wait that long for his shot at NBA glory. </p>
<p>There’s no shortage of teams that would move heaven and earth to get a star like Demarcus Cousins. Maybe Orlando will be in the market for a center in the near future or a storied franchise like the Lakers. Even the Chicago Bulls have been linked to talks about getting Cousins to the midwest to start a new era post-Derrick Rose. Yes, he would be set financially if he signs that huge extension to stay with the Kings. I could be wrong about the Kings and their lack of building around him in the near future too. If you look around the league there is endless opportunity to change your character and identity as the “head case” he’s been labeled. The money from endorsements and playing in a big market are added bonuses. An NBA career can be finished in the blink of an eye. You don’t want to have taken the safe approach and look back years from now wondering “what if?”</p>8:50ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45875492017-02-12T17:36:00-06:002024-02-27T06:18:43-06:00Late Rally Runs Out as Bulls Streak EndsBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br><br>The Windy City Bulls lost to the Toronto Raptors 905 for the third time this season, 113-104 off of 22 points by three point shooting specialist, Brady Heslip. It was a blowout early on in favor of the Raptors, but a late run and a couple of big threes from Jarell Eddie closed the gap a little bit.<br><br>Eddie was red hot again, scoring 28 points, however, it was just a tad bit late. Some sloppy passing by the Bulls would be the major difference in this game, giving away the ball 21 times.<br><br>The Raptors were able to get a ton of inside looks which ultimately played a big role in their victory. The Bulls were able to lock down the Raptors on the inside later on, but then they leaned heavily on Heslip and Bruno Caboclo who hit some threes to extend the lead.<br><br>With the victory, it was the largest win margin for the Raptors 905 all season, winning by nine points. The second biggest victory they had was against the Bulls as well, back on Nov. 23 when they won by six.<br><br>For the Bulls, Jake Layman was the only player in double figures in points until Alfonzo McKinnie and Eddie did so later in the game. The strong defense down the stretch was a positive, and they started to do good job of defending Raptors 905 7’3” center, Edy Tavares in the paint.<br><br>On another note, the Windy City Bulls will not have any players represented in the D-League’s All-Star game. Eddie thinks it’s tough, considering all of the talent surrounding the team.<br><br>“It’s tough, because there are some great players in the D-League, but we also have some great players here in Windy City” said Eddie. “It’s tough but it’s something you got to use to motivate you”.<br><br>Despite the fact that the Bulls won’t have any all-stars in their first year of existence, they will have a presence in one of the events. Alfonzo McKinnie, who has thrown down numerous monster dunks and ally-oops throughout the season, will participate in the D-League Slam Dunk Contest on Feb. 18 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.<br><br>So, despite the lost to a very good Raptors 905 team, the Bulls can definitely take some positives out of it. They’ve shot the ball well lately, and the defense continues to improve, and now they have a young player in McKinnie who will get his shot to shine during All-Star weekend.<br><br>Be sure to listen to all home games, and read up about the team on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45837092017-02-09T17:17:00-06:002023-12-10T10:51:37-06:00Bulls Charge For 4 in a row vs Raptors 905By Colin Mieczkowski<br><br><br><br>The Windy City Bulls will take on the red-hot Raptors 905 for the third time this season where unfortunately the Bulls are 0-2 in their last couple of meetings. The Bulls are 13-16 overall, trying to break free from last place in the division while the Raptors 905 are having a terrific season, with a 22-9 record, and winning eight of their last 10 games.<br><br>The Bulls have played very well, winning six of their last 10 games. They had a terrific showing from Jerell Eddie in the last game against the Grand Rapids Drive where he had a record tying, eight three pointers in the game.<br><br>Eddie knew what time it was once he kept hitting those threes that night. When asked what was going through his mind, he gave a simple answer.<br><br>“Just keep shooting” Eddie said. “I felt like my teammates found me in great positions and my confidence was rolling so I just had to keep shooting”.<br><br>No doubt that if Eddie can shoot it tonight like he did on Tuesday night, it could be a long night for the Raptors 905. But the 2015 D-League Three Point contest champion, and former Virginia Tech star knows that there’s still work to do.<br><br>“I just got to do my part, I got to bring as much leadership as I can to the group” Eddie said when asked about what the team needs to do to bring the Bulls back to .500. “If that’s making shots, getting rebounds, guarding, I just got to do my part, and help us get team wins”.<br><br>This type of unselfishness is what has made the Bulls team a fun squad to watch this year, despite some unfortunate losses. This game will feature an offense vs defense battle, as the Bulls are one of the better offensive teams, while the Raptors 905 has the best defense in the D-League.<br><br>The Bulls ranked eighth in field goals made, sixth in assists and fifth in offensive rebounds. This brings a unique offensive attack as opposed to the popular outside shooting method.<br><br>On the other side, the Raptors rank second in the D-League in blocks while they are 11th in steals per game. A very balanced defensive attack has bid well for them this season.<br><br>Despite the Raptors 905’s lockdown defensive ways, they have one of the hottest three point shooters of the last few years in Brady Heslip. Heslip still holds the single game record with 13 threes in a game.<br><br>The scary thing is that, the last record holder, was Heslip himself, during his D-League debut. He broke his own record just 15 days later, when he beat his debut performance by two threes.<br><br>So it will be interesting to see how coach Nate Loenser and the Bulls defend Heslip. Keeping him away from behind the arc and forcing him to drive could play a role in the game plan.<br><br>It should be another fun duel between the Bulls and Raptors 905,<br><br>You can listen to the game and all other home games as well as read up about the team on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45809292017-02-07T17:04:00-06:002023-12-10T10:51:40-06:00WCB look to Continue Winning Ways vs Grand RapidsBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br><br><br>Tonight it will be the Windy City Bulls taking on the Grand Rapids Drive at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Both teams are on a winning streak, with the Bulls winning two in a row, while the Drive has won four straight.<br><br>In the last game against the Drive, the Bulls lost the game 121-91. They hope to get a little revenge on the Drive, a team that is 16-16 and 5-5 during their last 10 games.<br><br>The Bulls are 12-16 and are also 5-5 in their last 10 games. They look to inch closer to winning record if they can win tonight.<br><br>The Bulls have also enjoyed some recent success from Jake Layman, one of their newer acquisitions. He has averaged 17 points, and six rebounds to compliment his scoring.<br><br>Layman was a very solid player at Maryland, averaging 11.6 points for the 2015-16 college basketball season. He got his shot in the NBA by playing ball with the Portland Trailblazers where he scored 17 points in his NBA debut, including five three pointers.<br><br>Layman credits his time, playing with Portland, as a reason for his early success with the WIndy City Bulls.<br><br>“My time in Portland, working with the coaches, keeping me ready to playing in the games.” Layman said. “When you’re there, you never know when you’re going to get in, so you have to stay ready, and coming down here (to Windy City), I felt ready from day one”.<br><br>Despite his impressive offensive showing, Layman still feels like he could work a bit more on his defense.<br><br>“There’s always things you can improve on” Layman said. “For me, it’s on defense for sure, guarding the ball and knowing the right reads”.<br><br><br>Speaking of playing defense, the Bulls will have to contend with one of the D-League’s top five scorers in Jordan Crawford. You may recognize Crawford during his playing days with the Washington Wizards among other teams in the NBA.<br><br>In the D-League now, Crawford is averaging 22.9 points per game while a little over three rebounds and assists per game. During his stint with the Wizards (2010, 11 and 12), Crawford averaged 16, 13 and 14 points respectively.<br><br>In short, Crawford is no stranger to scoring, but with the additions of Layman among others for the Bulls, it adds some extra depth which is big in the D-League. With so many players bouncing in and out of different locker rooms, it’s hard to keep a deep team.<br><br>But, with a team that’s trying to break out of the cellar, and another team hanging around at .500, both teams are hungry. When both teams are anxious, it can lead to a great game, and this could be the case tonight.<br><br>Be sure to listen to all home games and read about the team, on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45787772017-02-06T11:53:00-06:002023-12-10T10:52:23-06:00Q&A with Aaron ThomasBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br>Aaron Thomas has put together a nice season for the Windy City Bulls, the newest team in the NBA Development League. Thomas has been one of the league’s best scorers, averaging over 16 points per game.<br><br>In a recent game against the Erie Bayhawks on Jan. 11, Thomas dropped 22 points. When he’s playing, he can score at will, and the former Florida State Seminole has taken advantage of the opportunity.<br><br>I had a chance to sit down and talk to the Bulls star about the D-League experience, playing under coach Nate Loenser and playing overseas among other things. Below is the full interview.<br><br><br>Colin Mieczkowski: You were a good player in college, and now you’re playing professional basketball in the D-League with a ton of of other great young players, what has that experience been like for you so far?<br><br>Aaron Thomas: There’s definitely a difference between college and pro. Guys are bigger, more athletic, and strong, it’s just a different level. Not saying that college was a breeze but, the D-League experience has been good. Just to see where I’m at, and all of the hard work I put in at the next level, and see what happens after that.<br><br>CM: What goes through your mind, when you hear your name called on game night?<br><br>AT: *Laughs* it’s a good feeling. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you but it’s a real good feeling. It’s unexplainable honestly, you just go out there and do what you do and not worry about what’s going on on the outside. Just appreciate that you’re here, and take advantage of the opportunity.<br><br>CM: Working with Coach Loenser, how would you best describe him as a coach, and what are some key things you’ve learned from him so far?<br><br>AT: Coach Nate, he’s a good coach. He always has a plan, no matter if it’s practice, film or a game. He always has a plan. It’s just on us to execute it and pay attention. He’s always big on playing hard, and just being together and playing together as a team. He’s big on togetherness.<br><br>CM: What are some things that you want to improve on as a player?<br><br>AT: Everything. I’d be lying if I told you I don’t need to work on anything. I just work on all aspects of my game, on the court and off the court, just being a professional, period. Just getting prepared for the next level and just life in general.<br><br>CM: You’ve had a chance to play with some guys from the Chicago Bulls roster when they came here to play for a few games. Did you learn some things from the experience of playing with these guys?<br><br>AT: Yeah definitely, from each of them. Because the level is different between the NBA and D-League. Just asking them about what the experience was like as far as like the style of play and things like that.<br><br>CM: You had a chance to play overseas. What are some differences between playing in the Euroleague, and playing in the NBA D-League?<br><br>AT: It’s just different. You’re out overseas by yourself, so you have to be real mental when you go overseas. You have to be mentally tough and ready for the grind. It’s that simple.<br><br>CM: Any site seeing while playing in Europe?<br><br>AT: Oh definitely! I was in Germany so I was in a good city so I was able to see things, as in the history. I tried to learn some German but couldn’t stick with it. So that’s pretty much it, just real different.<br><br><br>CM: What are some things that you like to do on your down time, when you’re away from the basketball court?<br><br>AT: Just talk to my daughter and my girlfriend and play the game. I watch a ton of Netflix so I just be chilling. When I’m here at the gym, it’s time to focus on hoop, but when I’m outside of the gym, I focus on things other than hoop.<br><br>CM: Who are some players that you looked up to as a kid?<br><br>AT: I liked Kevin Durant. I pretty much didn’t have a hero. I just had so many guys I liked. I didn’t have anybody specific I favored. I just had a variety of guys I liked.<br><br>CM: Being in the Chicago area, what are some your favorite restaurants that you’ve been to so far?<br><br>AT: I’m a big fan of eating, so there’s a lot of food places I’ve been and been interested in. Alfonzo (Mickinnie) is from here so he showed us a couple of things, and places to go, and just some chill spots and just to see what’s fun.<br><br><br>Don’t forget to listen to all home games and read up about the team on your exclusive radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsmMgQYW7Vg/WJi3_mIlIbI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/WaiiChelHjgoofZKd7O9Nw3xwkTXVoAmACLcB/s1600/Aaron%2BThomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsmMgQYW7Vg/WJi3_mIlIbI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/WaiiChelHjgoofZKd7O9Nw3xwkTXVoAmACLcB/s320/Aaron%2BThomas.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45677702017-01-28T16:29:00-06:002023-12-10T10:57:18-06:00Denzel Valentine sent to WCB vs ErieBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br>The Windy City Bulls will be taking on the Erie Bayhawks tonight, and with some new firepower, as Denzel Valentine has been called down from Chicago. Valentine averaged 6.8 points for the Chicago Bulls in the last 10 games.<br><br>Valentine will play a critical offensive role in the game tonight against the Bayhawks. Chicago’s 1st round draft pick from 2016 was the AP Player of the Year the same year, when he played for the Michigan State Spartans.<br><br>He also was the same player who had the fourth Michigan State triple-double in history. He’s also the first Player of the Year winner at Michigan State since Draymond Green won it 2012.<br><br>He can be the spark for the Windy City Bulls, and provide that extra scoring. He was also known as a great passer in college as well.<br><br>You can listen the Windy City Bulls game live on SportsTownChicago.com, as Danzel Valentine, Alfonzo Mickinnie and the team, take on the Erie Bayhawks. This is your official radio home for Windy City Bulls basketball.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45677712017-01-28T15:49:00-06:002023-12-10T10:52:23-06:00Bulls look to get back in the W column against ErieBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br><br><br>The Windy City Bulls will be taking on the struggling Erie Bayhawks, on Saturday, Jan. 28, as the Bulls hope to continue their climb out of the cellar. In a big man’s game, the Bulls are lucky to have two solid ones with Alfonzo McKinnie and Alec Brown.<br><br>McKinnie has arguably been the Bulls’ best player lately, while Brown, who has had an up and down season, has played well recently. He’s been getting rebounds and scoring points which he’s capable of doing.<br><br>He has scored a total of 40 points in three of his last four games, including an impressive 14 point, 15 rebound effort against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants during the D-League Showcase. Mickinnie can also stroke shots, as he has made 19 three pointers this year among other stats.<br><br>10 of those made threes were between 25 and 29 ft long. He’s an amazing 61% from inside the paint to go along with his floor stretching ability.<br><br>So, with the giant duo taking the court, and both playing well, the Bulls shouldn’t have too much trouble with the Bayhawks and their lovely jerseys (seriously) on Saturday night. With Aaron Thomas back in the fold, he can help provide a heavy dose of scoring like he has done all year.<br><br>However, the Bayhawks shouldn’t be taken too lightly. Gabe York, who helped the Arizona Wildcats reach their second Elite Eight as a Sophomore, is averaging 17 points a game.<br><br>This is good enough to rank within the top 40 players in the D-League (32nd). So, despite the unfortunate season the Bayhawks are having, they have their shining light, and he’s pretty dangerous.<br><br>Coach Nate Loenser, knows how good of an offensive team Erie can be.<br><br>“Erie is a good offensive team” Loenser said. “Their front line opposes some challenges for us, especially with Zimmerman being on assignment from the Orlando Magic”.<br><br>Coach Loenser also mentioned that York will be a tough challenge for them.<br><br>“They have some outside scoring which is hard to contain” Loenser said. “Gabe York who they picked up mid-season has been a lethal scorer for them, especially the last few games”.<br><br><br>The best way to neutralize York, is by limiting his three point shots. He’s shooting an amazing 47% from the field, including 43% from three-point land. He did however, go 0-5 from beyond the arc in the Bayhawks last contest against the Long Island Nets.<br><br>He can also dish the rock off as well, but the Bayhawks will likely want to utilize his shooting abilities. If the Bulls can slow his outside shots down, and if the bigs continue to play well, then they will give the Bayhawks a hard time.<br><br>But, both teams are hungry, as they both try the escape the depths of last place. It’s also good to note that Bulls legend Bill Cartwright will be in attendance at the Sears Centre on Saturday.<br><br>Perhaps the WC Bulls can rub greatness off of a champion?<br><br>Be sure to listen to all home games and read about the squad on your official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45677722017-01-28T15:07:00-06:002023-12-10T10:52:53-06:00Bulls looking for same results in rematch vs Fort WayneOn Friday, Jan. 27, the Windy City Bulls will take on one of the best teams in the D-League, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at the Sears Centre Arena. The same team in which the Bulls destroyed in their previous meeting, 102-78, in what was arguably the team’s most dominant performance of the year.<br><br>The Mad Ants are 16-9 good for second in the central division but are 5-5 in their last 10 games, including the loss to the Bulls. Nonetheless, they’re still a dangerous squad.<br><br>The Bulls are 9-14, last in the central division, and hope to continue to turn it around. They have some work to do however, as the team is 3-7 in their last 10 games.<br><br>In that D-League Showcase blowout win over the Mad Ants, the key player in that game was Alfonzo Mickinnie, who continues to impress, scoring 20 points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds in a double-double game, against a dangerous team.<br><br>Alec Brown also went off, dropping 14 points, and collecting 15 rebounds, and even getting two assists. The stretch big also dropped a couple of three point bombs, going 2-5 from downtown.<br><br>Tim Quarterman, who played in the game before getting the call back to the Portland Trailblazers, helped the team with his seven point, eight assist effort. Quarterman is also friends with top NBA draft pick, Ben Simmons, who unfortunately suffered a season ending injury.<br><br>But, with Quarterman gone, the Bulls depth just dropped a small bit. This gives arguably the Bulls’ hottest scorer, Aaron Thomas a chance to start once again.<br><br>And playing for Coach Nate Loenser, Thomas has given some high praise for the new coach.<br><br>“Coach Nate, he’s a good coach, he always has a plan” Thomas said. “No matter what it is, whether it’s practice or a game, he always has a plan, we just need to execute together as a team.”<br><br>On the other side of the court, we take a look at Alex Poythress, the former Kentucky star. During his senior year, Poythress averaged 10.2 points a game for the Wildcats after missing the 2014-15 season with an injury.<br><br>He would go undrafted the following year however, but did get an opportunity to play with the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately for Poythress, this didn’t last, as he was waived after playing in just two preseason games.<br><br>So now, in the D-League, he taking advantage of the opportunities to grow as a player and he will be a man for the Bulls to keep an eye on. Poythress is 13th in the D-League in points for a reason, and the Bulls need to rely heavily on strong defense to slow him down.<br><br>If the Mad Ants go cold, and if players like Brown and Mickinnie take advantage of rebounding opportunities, then they will be in good shape. The Mad Ants are going to come into the Sears Centre angry (no pun intended) after the massacre against the Bulls the first time around.<br><br>Andre Dawkins needs to also be that spark off the bench, as he went 1-5 from three point land. He’s the team’s best long range sniper, and it will be a nice advantage for the Bulls if he gets his stroke back.<br><br>Tip-off is at 7pm.<br><br>Don’t forget to listen to all home games and read up about the squad, on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45677732017-01-28T15:05:00-06:002023-12-10T10:52:35-06:00Bulls late rally falls short to Fort WayneBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br>The Bulls lose to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 109-99 in what was a physical defensive game full of fouls. Alfonzo Mickinnie led the way for the Bulls with 23 points and 8 rebounds, going 9-14 from the field.<br><br>Starting point guard Thomas Walkup, also had a good game, scoring 12 points while dishing out 12 assists in the loss. One of the newest Bulls, Jarell Eddie, who scored 12 points off the bench, kept things positive in the tough loss.<br><br>“We can be down by a bunch of points, and we still fight our way back into the game” Eddie said. “Just to see that this group is real resilient and can persevere through adversity, it’s real encouraging”.<br><br>Despite the loss, dropping the Bulls to 9-15 on the season, Eddie is correct that there is a lot of upside to this new team. Tonight was an example, playing a style of defense that netted them a combination of five steals and six blocks.<br><br>The way the team has been able to fight, with so many different roster changes, over the last couple of months shows that resilience. Eddie himself, quickly adjusted to the squad, and came out the gate getting buckets.<br><br>In the end, it was the Mad Ants coming out on top, led by Stephen Hicks, who was playing out of his mind, going 7-8 from the field, scoring 17 points. Trey-Mickinney Jones, whose Aunt, Esther, was an Olympic gold medalist, was gold from the free-throw line, going 12-12.<br><br>Despite his 3-16 night in the field, Jones got many foul calls, and drained all his free shots. Thanks to the play of Hicks and Jones, the Mad Ants came out victorious, in what was a close game coming down the stretch.<br><br>New Bull and former Maryland star, known for his wondrous hair, hit a huge three to cut the Mad Ants lead to four points. The Bulls didn’t score another point after that however, and some more free throws by the Mad Ants would seal the deal 109-99.<br><br>Be sure to listen to all home games and read up about the squad, on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.comChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45446932017-01-08T14:01:00-06:002023-12-10T10:57:33-06:00VanFleet Sinks Late Free Throws to Lead Raptors 905 to Victory<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132616" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>By Colin Mieczkowski</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132618" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132620" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>After a great victory against the Westchester Knicks on Friday, the Windy City Bulls dropped a heartbreaker to the Raptors 905, 102-100. Two huge free throws from Fred VanFleet, would seal the deal for the Raptors 905 to move on to 14-7 on the season.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132622" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132624" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>VanFleet also led both teams in scoring, dropping 23 points, and dishing out seven assists. Axel Toupane, last year’s Most Improved Player in the D-League, added 21 points to compliment the offensive attack.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132626" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132628" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>As for the Bulls, it was Alfonzo Mickinnie who carried the load, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. He was also red hot from the land of threes, going 3-4 from long range, showing off his stretch big capabilities.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132630" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132632" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Paul Zipser also had a solid all-around night, with 15 points, five assists and five boards, to go along with two made three pointers. Zipser, the 48th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2016, has taken advantage of his opportunities with the Windy City squad, and has proven to be a valuable outside shooter as well.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132634" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132636" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Off the bench, Wesley Saunders and Jon Octeus both played very well, scoring seven and six points respectively. Saunders also added four dimes (assists) to go along with his scoring.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132638" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132640" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>As for Octeus, there was no doubt that he couldn’t wait for his chance to come in the game and take advantage. During practice before the game against the Knicks on Friday, Octeus was putting on a dunking clinic, soaring through the air, and showing no regard for the basket.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132642" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132644" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Coming off the bench cold is tough, especially since the Bulls have had some good point guards play for them this season. Spencer Dinwiddie, Jerian Grant a couple of times, and now Thomas Walkup who is solid passer and defender.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132646" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132648" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>When I had the chance to chat briefly with Octeus before the start of the season, I had asked the young point guard, what are some of the differences of playing in college as opposed to the D-League.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132650" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132652" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>“You’re pro now, and you got to approach it like a pro” Octeus said. “You don’t have to worry about school which is big because you can focus more on your craft”.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132654" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132656" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>There’s no doubt he has been focusing on his craft and handling everything like a true professional. Players like him and Saunders could play some big roles in the coming games if they continue to play well off the bench.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132658" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132660" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>For the record, during that same interview, when I asked him about what it meant to play in Chicago Bulls organization with such a rich history, he had a fun response.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132662" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>“It’s exciting” Octeus said. “We talk about Jordan and Pippen, but for me, Dwyane Wade is my favorite player”.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132664" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132666" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Octeus is from Miami, which is a major reason why he is such a fan of the Chicago Bulls’ new acquisition. But bench play is just as crucial as starter play, and it was a fun moment for Saunders and Octeus.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132668" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132670" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Unfortunately, the W went into the wrong hands, as once again, the Windy City Bulls lost to the Raptors 905 to fall to 7-12 on the season. Next home game will be against one of the D-League’s best, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on Jan. 27.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132672" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132485" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_132674" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>You can listen to that game live, and all other home games as well as read up about the team, on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. </div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45446942017-01-07T13:21:00-06:002023-12-10T10:53:09-06:00Bulls Look to Continue Home Court Cooking vs Raptors 905<div class="MsoNormal">Tonight, the Bulls are back at it, taking on the Raptors 905, a team that was once the hottest in the D-League. They, at one point were on a huge winning streak that gave them an early edge of their division. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although they have slowed down a bit, they still are a dangerous team, and the Bulls need to plan accordingly. The Raptors 905 have lost three of their last four, but put up a winning performance against one of the best teams in the league, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, winning by 14 points, 114-100. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">The key reason for this win, was due to solid play of Fred VanFleet, who the Bulls need to keep an eye on during this game. Bulls coach Nate Loenser will no doubt be having a good game plan set up to help slow down VanFleet. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">VanFleet was on the 2012-2013 Wichita State Shcoker that reached the Final Four, and “shocked” the nation. He was a Freshman at the time who played a big role in Wichita State reaching the Final Four, scoring 12 points against Ohio State to help the Shockers reach that point. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Rockford, Illinois native is also Wichita State’s all-time leader in assists. To this day, he is still proving to be a quality passer, getting six dimes in the game against the Mad Ants and also dropping 20 points. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, with his combination of great passing, and solid scoring, he could be a handful, but the Bulls have weapons of their own. Alfonzo McKinnie has really developed into a star on the Windy City Bulls, and with no sign of slowing down, as he dropped 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the last game against the Knicks. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">McKinnie has gained valuable professional basketball experience, not only playing in the D-League, but playing overseas as well. SportsTownChicago.com’s own Jamie Newell had a chance to chat with McKinnie who said that there is a lot more playing time in the D-League than overseas. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">That difference seems to be paying off for McKinnie, who is nearly averaging a double-double this season, with 13.8 points, and 8.5 rebounds. He also has an impressive field goal percentage of a 50%, showing his scoring consistency. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Chicago native had a solid stint at Eastern Illinois, averaging 10 points and seven rebounds as a sophomore with the Panthers. He also was second in the OVC in field goal percentage, with an impressive 56% from the field. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a game against Maine, while at Eastern Illinois, he had one of the best games of his college career, getting 24 points, while also collecting 14 rebounds. He continued the solid play at UW-Green Bay, where he averaged eight points and 5.3 rebounds during his senior year. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mickinnie’s surge as a top player on the Bulls, will ultimately help the team in the long run if he stays put. However, it wouldn’t be a shock if he gets a call from an NBA team sometime down the road, as he’s pushing that much closer to big league status. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Utilizing his size, getting the boards, as getting the inside buckets will be key for McKinnie, as he looks to help the Bulls get their second straight win. Who knows, since it is Dog Night at the Sears Centre, maybe the power of the pooches can help propel the Bulls to another W. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tip off is at 7pm. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Be sure to listen to all home games and read up about the squad on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><br><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45446952017-01-07T13:18:00-06:002023-12-10T10:53:27-06:00The Streak is Busted! Winning Ways Return vs Knicks!<div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8581" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>After a tough seven game losing streak, the Windy City Bulls made a nice comeback to defeat the Westchester Knicks 113-102 at the Sears Centre Arena. Bobby Portis, who was just assigned to play for the WC Bulls, did what many expected and dominated the game.</div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8583" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8585" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Portis led all scorers with 32 points, while also grabbing nine boards. Paul Zipser, who was called to the WC Bulls for a third time, also joined in on the parade of points, dropping 18 points, with he too, collecting nine rebounds.</div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8587" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8589" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Portis is expected to be called back up to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday which was reported before the game. After his stellar performance, the chance just got much higher that this will occur.</div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8591" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8593" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Among the regulars, Aaron Thomas continued to do what he has done most of the season which is be the most valuable scorer on the team. He poured in 17 points, despite the great play of Portis and Zipser.</div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8595" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8597" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>This speaks volumes on his consistency. No matter who’s on the roster, he still remains arguably the team’s most dangerous offensive weapon.</div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8599" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8601" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>One of the things that helped out the Bulls also, was the fact that Jordan Crawford of the Knicks, went 0-11 from the field. The 5’6” Crawford can be a dangerous scorer, and he was neutralized by Portis and the Bulls.</div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8603" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8605" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>They couldn’t slow down one of the D-League’s hottest shooters in Chassen Randle (Averaging 21 points per game), but it didn’t matter, as the Bulls fire power was too much on a freezing evening. Again, the Bulls win this one to push themselves a little closer to getting out of last place, and they bust the seven game losing streak.</div><div id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8607" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yiv9514448540m_5641892273896771664yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483812124708_8609" style='background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Be sure to listen to all home games and read up about the tram on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. </div><div><br></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45446962017-01-06T15:33:00-06:002023-12-10T11:35:16-06:00Zipser returns tonight, Portis DebutsBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br>The Windy City Bulls will have some extra fire power as they play the Westchester Knicks tonight at the Sears Centre Arena. Bobby Portis, the 22nd overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2015, has been called down to get buckets for WIndy City.<br><br>This comes at an impromptu time, as the WC Bulls are coming off a seven game losing streak, and look to turn it around. Having Portis, a big who is also capable of stretching the floor, is a huge plus for the team.<br><br>This season for Chicago, Portis has averaged 3.9 points off the bench, and shooting over 40% from behind the three point line.In his last nine games, he only had 11 minutes off the bench, so there’s no doubt that he’s hungry for his chance to shine with Windy City.<br><br>The former Arkansas Razorback racked up a solid career in college, averaging 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds in his second and final season. This will be his first time assigned to the Chicago Bulls’ new D-League team.<br><br>Tip-off is at 7pm between the Bulls and Knicks and you can listen to game and read up about the team on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45446972016-12-19T16:07:00-06:002024-03-25T08:12:26-05:00Catching up with Alfonzo McKinnie<div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1482175087207_88023" style='background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;'>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>HOFFMAN ESTATES – At this time last year, Windy City Bulls forward Alfonzo McKinnie was playing for a basketball team that was a long way from where he grew up on the west side of Chicago.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>Fresh off a four-year college career, that was split in half between the first two years at Eastern Illinois and the second two at Wisconsin-Green Bay.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>When the offers to play professionally in the United States weren’t forthcoming, McKinnie knew that to continue his basketball career. He had to leave the country and go overseas to play.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>McKinnie found a team called the East Side Pirates, who play in the second division in Luxembourg.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>“There is a major difference between playing here and in Luxembourg,” McKinnie said “In Europe, you play once a week. Here, we may play three or four games a week. We also practice every day and that has been the biggest difference.”</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>McKinnie also inked a contract with Rayo de Hermosillo of Mexico before finding his way back into the United States and into the training camp for the Windy City Bulls.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>The 6’-8” 215-pound forward was rewarded for his hard play by making the team’s final roster.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>So far, in his first season with the Bulls, McKinnie has played in all 12 games and is averaging over 12 points per game in 26 minutes of game action and is one of the first players that coach Nate Loesner calls off the bench and sends into the game.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>“I don’t really look at it as coming off the bench,“ McKinnie said. “I just try to come into the game and try to keep up the good work that the guys have started. I just try play my role and do what I can to get a win.”</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>McKinnie has been a beast on the glass as he is averaging 8.8 rebounds a contest.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>“So far I am enjoying my time with the Bulls,” McKinnie said after a recent shoot-around. “Since I am a Chicago kid and being able to be not so far from home and being able to have my family and friends to come and see me play, is awesome.“</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>McKinnie did see a familiar face when he started training camp. Windy City Bulls center Alec Brown was a teammate of McKinnie’s at Wisconsin-Green Bay.</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
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<span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>“I played with Alec (Brown) in college,” McKinnie said. “It has been interesting playing with him. Just to play with a guy that you are familiar with and played with in college for a couple of years. Having him as a roommate and a teammate on the professional level has been pretty cool.”</span><span style='color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;'></span>
</div></div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1482175087207_88065" style='background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;'><div class="x_MsoNormal" style='background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;'><span style='color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;'>Like any player in the D-League, McKinnie’s goal is to make it to the next level and into the NBA.</span></div></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45446982016-12-17T10:50:00-06:002023-12-10T10:53:41-06:00Bulls Looking to Get Back to the .500 Mark vs 87ers<br><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14659" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>By Colin Mieczkowski</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14661" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14663" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14665" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>The Windy City Bulls return right back to action tonight, to take on the Delaware 87ers. Bulls looking to bounce back from last night’s 124-121 loss to the Swarm from Greensboro. </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14667" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14669" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>This will be the 2<span><sup>nd</sup></span> game between the Bulls and 87ers, in game 1 it was J.J. Avila who would have the hot hand for the Bulls going 10-14 with 24 points. Jerian Grant led all scorers with 34 points that night.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14672" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14674" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14676" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>On the other side, Shawn Long led the way for the 87ers with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Dionte Christmas was also well involved, scoring 23 for the team.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14678" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14680" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14682" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>However, in this rematch, both teams have some new look rosters, especially the Bulls. Point Guard Spencer Dinwiddie signed a deal with the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, after helping carrying the WC Bulls early on.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14684" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14686" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14688" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Also, the new additions of Andre Dawkins, Devin Brooks and Ferrakhon Hall have shaken the depth of the squad as well. Players such as Avila, Alec Brown and Aaron Thomas still remain however.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14690" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14692" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14694" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Thomas specifically has been one of the D-League’s hottest scorers, dropping over 100 points in a four game stretch. Although Avila has been a crucial part to the team’s wins and is somewhat of a leader on the team, it is Thomas who has alone been worth the price of admission.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14696" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14698" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14700" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14702" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Thomas will have the opportunity to battle it out like medieval knights with Christmas who too can fill it up at will. Christmas has dropped 34 points in his last two games.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14704" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14706" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14708" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>While at Temple, he was a two-time Atlantic 10 conference tournament MVP. In three consecutive seasons, Christmas led the Atlantic 10 in scoring, so he’s no stranger to getting buckets, even if he’s not putting up 30 a night.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14710" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14712" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14714" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>He also finished his time at Temple with 2,043 points for his college career. He’s only the fourth player in school history to drop over 2,000 points for his career.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14716" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14718" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14720" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Furthermore, the 30-year old has some NBA experience in his back pocket, having played for a season with the Phoenix Suns in 2013-14.. In 31 games played, he would average 2.3 points off the bench which includes a nine point effort in his NBA debut.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14722" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14724" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14726" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Although Christmas is a very consistent scorer, he’s been very quiet in almost every other area. For example; in his last game against the Oklahoma City Blue, Christmas scored 15 points, but only had one assist and two rebounds.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14728" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14730" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Thomas in his last game against the Grand Rapids Drive, he accumulated 23 points and grabbed five rebounds. So, on paper, Thomas looks to have the upper hand, as he’s capable of grabbing between four and six rebounds on any given night to go along with his scoring.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14732" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14734" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14736" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>However, Christmas and Thomas are very similar players statistically. This will only make for a fun game if these two can light the Sears Centre arena up like a Christmas (not Dionte) tree.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14738" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14740" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14481" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481981451116_14742" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Tip-off is at 7pm CST, and you can listen to all the home games and read up about the squad on your official radio home of Windy City Bulls D-League basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. </div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45446992016-12-15T12:13:00-06:002023-12-10T10:57:33-06:00Bulls Seek Revenge vs Greensboro Friday NightThe Windy City Bulls will take on the Greensboro Swarm this Friday night at the Sears Centre Arena. The Bulls look to get a little revenge, after losing to the Swarm in Greensboro, 130-125, back on December 10th.<br><br><br>A player who has played very well the past couple of games for the Bulls is newcomer Andre Dawkins. He has been able to fill it up from behind the three-point line, something the WC Bulls have lacked most of the season.<br><br><br>In the last game against the Swarm, Dawkins went an impressive 5-7 from behind the arc, finishing with 17 points off the bench. Dawkins, an All-Rookie Third Team selection in the D-League last year, has proven how good he can be.<br><br><br>In college, playing for Duke, he was the backup guard on the 2010 championship squad. In an Elite Eight game against Baylor in that same season, Dawkins hit two big three pointers in the first half, to stop the game from slipping away early.<br><br><br>Six years later and he is still getting buckets from deep. Speaking of three-point shooting, Dawkins changed his number from 20 to 34, as a tip of the cap to his idol, Ray Allen.<br><br><br>The Duke Blue Devils’ official website even called him a “deadly three-point shooter” on his bio page. No doubt, the Bulls got a very solid sniper in the former Texas Legends player.<br><br><br>He’s also noted as being an avid golfer. This certainly has had to help his precision because, similar to basketball, the goal of golf is to get a ball in a hole that’s the same shape as the ball itself.<br><br><br>Just think of a three-point shot as a long putt, minus the slopes of the putting greens. But, if Dawkins can continue to be that key spark plug, then it should be a fun matchup because the Swarm have a very solid player of their own who needs highlighting.<br><br><br><br>How can we forget the Harrison twins who played for the Kentucky Wildcats? These guys hit big shot after big shot in the NCAA Tournament throughout their college career.<br><br><br>Well, Aaron Harrison now plays for the Swarm, and he played extremely well against the Bulls previously. Harrison went off for 28 points that game, while also collecting nine rebounds.<br><br><br>One obvious thing that stands out about Harrison is his ability to heat up at the right moments to help his team get a win. He’s done this a few times in college, more famously in the NCAA Tournament.<br><br><br>One of those gleaming moments was in 2014, when he hit a three-pointer to beat the Michigan Wolverines in the regional finals and advance. Furthermore, he hit another game-winning long range bomb, to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers in the semi-finals in that same tournament.<br><br><br>He’d finish with eight points and it he scored those in the second half, when the intensity was revving up. Just because college and D-League basketball are two totally different animals, doesn’t mean you lost the clutch bug.<br><br><br>Some guys are just great at it. In the last three games with the Swarm, Harrison racked up 15 points in two of them.<br><br><br>That’s definitely not what he did to the Bulls the last time these squads dueled. Even if he doesn’t drop 28 points every night, he’s still that deadly weapon the Swarm could use if the game gets tight.<br><br><br>So that’s who the Bulls should try to keep an eye on Friday night. If both Dawkins and Harrison are drilling threes like they are both capable of, then we can be in for quite a treat.<br><br><br>Be sure to listen to ALL home games and read up about the the team, on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.<br><div><br></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45447002016-12-12T00:24:00-06:002023-12-10T10:58:55-06:00Buzzer Beater Gives Bulls Thrilling Victory!By Colin “Ghost Panda” Mieczkowski<br><br>On Friday night, the Windy City Bulls took on the last place Canton Charge, to try to extend their winning record to two games. The Bulls would go on to win the game off a beautiful buzzer beating shot from Jerian Grant, 96-94.<br><br>Grant would finish with 20 points and nine assists to go along with six rebounds. With the both sad and happy news that Spencer Dinwiddie signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, Grant took over the spotlight.<br><br>But, it was center Alec Brown who had the best game, winning the game’s MVP award. Brown had his best game of the season, going a remarkable 9-11 from the field, while racking up 8 rebounds and three blocks.<br><br>The 7’1” Brown also hit a three point shot in the game. This is something he’s capable of doing on a regular basis.<br><br>But, some solid defense from Brown late in the game kept the game close. Then Grant would stare down his opponent like a tiger, and then hit the shot to a win, which brought the Sears Centre into a frenzy.<br><br>The play was briefly reviewed, but it was officially good. Had the shot not counted then we would have went into overtime.<br><br>For the Charge, it was reigning D-League Rookie of the Year Quinn Cook who took the “charge”. Cook dropped 30 points, and showed why he is one of the most dangerous players in the league.<br><br>However, what killed Cook and the Charge was his whopping eight turnovers. Although the game was tight, things could’ve been different had Cook not had all of those turnovers.<br><br>Other than Cook, it was Chris Evans who had a nice game, scoring 21 points including hitting three long range shots.<br><br>But, it wasn’t enough to stop Grant. Brown and the Bulls, as the Sears Centre fans went home happy. And one of the best duels in the league so far is now complete, thanks to clutch defense and a huge shot.<br><br>Be sure to listen to all home games and read up about the team, on your official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45447012016-12-09T15:48:00-06:002023-12-10T11:01:50-06:00Bulls look to take some Charge out of CantonBy Colin Mieczkowski<br><br>On Friday night, the Windy City Bulls return home to the Sears Centre, for a game against the division rival, Canton Charge. It has been the Aaron Thomas show for the Bulls during the road trip.<br><br>Thomas has accumulated an amazing 82 points in his last three games. His best performance over that period was a rematch against the Long Island Nets, where he dropped in 33 points and collected five rebounds.<br><br>A scoring machine like Thomas, gives player like Spencer Dinwiddie a chance to play more traditionally at the point guard position. This also takes the pressure off of he and J.J. Avila who have carried most of the load offensively.<br><br>Certainly, the Bulls still need Dinwiddie and Avila, but having Thomas opens more doors of opportunity. Thanks to Thomas’ stellar play, the Bulls have won four of their last five games.<br><br>Thomas, who was once declared ineligible for the Florida State Seminoles for a whole season, is now proving his worth at the professional level. If he keeps playing like this, then the Bulls shouldn’t have too much trouble with the last place Charge who charge their way into the Sears Centre.<br><br>Despite the Charge’s 3-6 record, they still have some threats on the team to be aware of. In particular, the dangerous Quinn Cook, who dropped 27 points against the aforementioned Nets.<br><br>Cook was an all-star and the D-League Rookie of the Year last season. He was also hot player coming out of high school. He was ranked as a top 40 recruit from Rivals, Scout, and ESPNU in 2010 before committing to Duke.<br><br>Despite a successful college career where he made Sporting News’ All-American second team, Cook went undrafted in 2015. Although he would sign with the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, he was let go after a few preseason games.<br><br>He was the resigned by the Charge, where he currently plays, and continues to play well. Cook may possibly be the Bulls’ toughest individual matchup yet.<br><br>This is where Thomas needs shine once again. He doesn’t need to drop 30 or more points, but if there is enough balanced play between the Bulls’ “big three” of Thomas, Dinwiddie and Avila, then they may overwhelm the Charge and the reigning Rookie of the Year.<br><br>Although former Fresno State star Kevin Olekaibe, and former Kent State baller Chris Evans played well last game for the Charge, look for them to feed Cook. Much like in the NBA, D-League teams have alpha dogs, who are given more scoring opportunities.<br><br>Cook, is one of the league’s alpha dogs. If the Bulls have a ‘captain’, it would likely be Dinwiddie due to his NBA experience. But, he’s not the ‘best’ player right now, as they title probably belongs to Thomas at the moment.<br><br>However, the good thing about the Bulls is that, things are constantly changing. It’s not just one person carrying the team all the time, despite Thomas’ hot streak.<br><br>It just shows the versatility on the roster, and ultimately, it could very well pay dividends for the Bulls on Friday night. <br><br>Be sure to listen to all home games and read up about the team, on your official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com.<br><br>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45447022016-11-26T18:29:00-06:002023-12-15T09:29:39-06:00Bulls right back at it Saturday vs Delaware<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255210" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>By Colin Mieczkowski</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255212" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255214" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Tonight, the Windy City Bulls will take on the Delaware 87ers under the bright lights of the Sears Centre Arena. Similar to the Bulls, <span class="contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_574_652" role="button" style="border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 120, 215); color: #0078d7; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">the 87ers have had a roller coaster start to the season as they now sit at 2-2</span> on the year.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255216" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255218" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255220" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>This will feature one of the D-League’s better offensive players in Dionte Christmas, averaging almost 20 points, and a little over five assists a game. Maybe the biggest threat that the 87ers have right now however, is center Shawn Long, who went off for 30 against the Greensboro Swarm.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255222" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255224" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255226" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>No doubt that Long will be coming into the Sears Centre full of confidence. Long played for UL-Lafeyette in college, and he, along with Elfrid Payton, helped carry the Ragin’ Cajuns to the NCAA Tournament in 2014.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255228" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255230" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255232" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>He was also made the U.S. Pan American Men’s basketball team in 2015. Among others featured on that squad was current Chicago Bull, Denzel Valentine.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255234" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255236" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255238" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Long may be a hand full for the Bulls as he looks to try to get the 87ers over the .500 mark. A big advantage (no pun intended) that the Bulls have is that Alec Brown has the size (7’1”) to beat the undersized Long (6’9”) on the inside.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255240" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255242" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255244" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Long may have a speed advantage, but Brown can go toe-to-toe with jump shots. Brown is more willing to take outside shots however, as he took three triples in the loss to the Texas Legends.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255246" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255248" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255250" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>He took just one in the game against the Swarm. Although he’s shorter, he plays more like a traditional center as oppose to Brown, who plays like a stretch big. </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255252" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255254" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255256" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>The Bulls also need to get shots off quicker. Numerous times during the game against the Legends, they’d pass the ball, and fight against the shot clock.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255258" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255260" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>If they can get a smoother flow going, then this will lead to better shot selection, and at the right times. Ball movement isn’t the issue, but it’s where they pass the ball.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255262" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255264" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Many times, it seemed like they were just passing the ball, and not thinking about where. A lot of it may have to do with the Legends’ tight defense.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255266" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>In order to try to misdirect the defense, the Bulls will have to rely heavily on off-ball movement. This will lead to great catch and shoot situations, especially for guys like Brown, who excels at a standing jump shots.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255268" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255270" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>It’s also effective for guys who are good at shooting off the dribble, like Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie also is known for his sneaky ability to dish the rock off, just before he shoots and this is something he did a lot as a Detroit Piston.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255272" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255274" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>He quietly has a nice crossover, as well, even getting NBA MVP Steph Curry tied in knot during a game between the Pistons and Golden State Warriors. Dinwiddie’s ability to get the assists will be just as crucial as movement without the ball.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255276" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255278" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>If the Bulls do this, then they should be in great shape.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255280" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_254941" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_255282" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'><i>Be sure to listen to all home games and read up about the team on the official radio home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. </i></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45447032016-11-26T18:28:00-06:002023-12-10T10:46:51-06:00Bulls Give the Blues of OKC the Blues After All!<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246552" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>The Windy City Bulls pulled off the upset and defeated the Oklahoma City Blue 88-78 at the Sears Centre Arena. It was their second win of the season and their first victory since their first game of existence on Nov. 11th.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246554" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246556" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Spencer Dinwiddie, who has been the Bulls most consistent player, was at it again, with an 18 point, 10 assist effort and added six rebounds as well. There were a few moments when he dished it off mid-shot, which was something he did several times in the NBA.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246558" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246560" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>It’s Dinwiddie’s second double-double of the season as he continues to shine as the Bulls’ biggest star so far. The game against the Blue was also his second 20 point effort of the season as well, as he has carried a ton of the scoring load.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246562" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246564" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Before Dinwiddie however, it was J.J. Avila who was red-hot scoring 13 points by the end of the second half. Avila would finish the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246566" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246568" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>He fell just short of a double-double in the season opener of the inaugural season. In that game against the Long Island Nets, Avila had 21 points and nine rebounds.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246570" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246572" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246574" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Former Chicago Bull Jannero Pargo led the Blue in scoring, coming off the bench with 20 points. After draining multiple shots in a row during pre-game warm ups, Pargo was ready to roll, and he didn’t disappoint.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246576" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246578" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Reggie Williams joined Pargo, as well as two others, who had double-digits in the points category to help give the Blue a seven-point lead at halftime. Williams had 16 but only made six of his 20 shot attempts.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246580" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246582" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>D-League Player of the Week, center Dakari Johnson was quiet scoring wise, dropping 12 points for the game. However, with 11 rebounds, Johnson finished with a double-double, to help boost the Blue’s chances at their sixth win.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246584" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246586" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>However, the Bulls came out red-hot in the third quarter, to outscore the Blue by nine points as they took a two-point lead going into the fourth. Big buckets by Thomas Walkup and Alfonzo McKinnie pushed the lead to double-digits for the Bulls making it a 67-57 advantage.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246588" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246590" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>From there, it was all Windy City, as the Bulls would go on to defeat the Oklahoma City Blue by a final score of 88-79. This is the Bulls first win since the historic opening night, while the Blue lose their first game since their season opener.</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246592" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246365" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1480165367755_246594" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'><i>Make sure to listen to all the home games and read up about the team, on your radio station for Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. </i></div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45447042016-11-21T17:12:00-06:002023-12-10T10:46:53-06:00Bulls suffer 1st Home Loss of the Season<div class="MsoNormal">The Windy City Bulls lost to the Texas Legends by a score of 107-98, as they fall to 1-2 in their inaugural season. The Bulls showed signs of making a comeback but end up falling well short, despite an incredible game by Aaron Thomas, who dropped 30 points to lead the game in scoring. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thomas, who was once a star on the Florida State Seminoles in 2014, leading the team in scoring, brought that shining light with him to the pros. This brand new basketball team is showing that they have guys that can heat up on any given night. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the historic opening night, it was J.J. Avila who poured in the scoring, with 21 points and he also added six assists and nine rebounds. Avila is also a player who had one of the most legendary statistical seasons for the Naval Academy, where his 357 point year was good for third all-time in school history. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">As for Thomas, he is no stranger to putting the ball in the basket, as he averaged over 14 points during his junior year at Florida State. He also was known for his impressive ball handling skills at Brewster Academy high school, and was even dubbed the “Quiet Assassin” by the Basketball Diary.<p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Quietly, he nearly helped bring the Bulls back from a double-digit deficit along with some continued solid play from Spencer Dinwiddie among others. Dinwiddie’s play may not come as a surprise for people who watched him during his short time with both the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls in the NBA. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite what already seems to be a roller coaster career for the young guard, having played for a few teams between the D-League and NBA, he has proven to be quite a spark plug. That spark showed as early as college, as, during his freshman year, he helped the Colorado Buffaloes reach their first NCAA tournament since 2003. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dinwiddie even has some national team experience, having played in the Universiade in Russia in 2013. There, he led the team with 44 assists, showing that he is more than just a solid scorer, and he was also the only Pac-12 player represented on the team. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite the scoring outburst by Thomas and balanced play of Dinwiddie, Manny Harris and the Texas Legends were just too much to handle. Harris dropped 22 points, just a game after he racked up 49 against the Maine Red Claws, a game in which they lost. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">The 27-year old Harris has played virtually everywhere, including the NBA, D-League and overseas. Harris enjoyed a very solid college career at Michigan, where he was a Big Ten All-Conference player three years in a row, and a two-time Big Ten Academic All-Conference as well. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately for Harris, injuries have slowed down his professional career which included playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. But, it’s fair to say that he has found a home with the Texas Legends, as he is already becoming one of the D-League’s most dangerous scorers. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">As for the Bulls, they have proven once again that they have an extremely versatile, where anybody can come out of nowhere to have a great game. But, some lockdown defense by Texas made it tough for the Bulls to get some baskets. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">They also continue to struggle behind the three-point line as well. Texas also had issues, shooting a lower percentage than the Bulls behind the arc, but their defense and ability to score on the inside, helped them cruise to the win. <p></p>
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><br><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s see if the Bulls can turn it around in their next game against the Oklahoma City Blue on Nov. 25th. Be sure to catch all of the action on the official broadcast home of Windy City Bulls basketball, SportsTownChicago.com. <p></p>
</div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/45447052016-11-14T15:05:00-06:002021-10-15T09:01:41-05:00Season Preview<div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17910" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>The Windy City Bulls season is almost under way, and it’ll be a fresh, new experience for fans of the six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls. Having a D-League team gives plenty of opportunity to build their fan base, as now, fans can enjoy a professional basketball experience right in the suburbs.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17912" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17914" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>The team is full of young talent, including a couple of players with NBA experience in Spencer Dinwiddie and R.J. Hunter. Hunter had just signed with the Chicago Bulls after the Boston Celtics let him go.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17916" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17918" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Now, the former Georgia State star has a chance to make an early impression with the upstart Windy City Bulls. Dinwiddie, who played very well for Chicago during preseason games, will join Hunter, as they look to build a dangerous dynamic duo on the hardwood this season.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17920" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17922" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>When playing for the University of Colorado, Dinwiddie averaged 14 points a game. In the NBA, he averaged almost five points per game with Detroit and Chicago. </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17924" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17926" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>During his D-League career, he’s averaged a little over 14 points a game. With all the experience Dinwiddie has already in his young basketball career, there is no doubt that he will be a key asset to any success the Windy City Bulls have this year.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17928" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17930" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Hunter averaged an impressive 18.4 points per game during his three-year career at Georgia State. This includes playing stellar defense, averaging almost two steals a game and what’s somewhat ironic is that former Chicago Bull, Ron Harper is his godfather who was also a terrific defender in his day.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17932" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17934" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17936" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>After a slow start to his NBA season, Hunter came out and got buckets, going 5 for 6 and scoring 12 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. With his solid defense and the ability to heat up on the offensive end, it should be a treat for fans to watch Hunter this season.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17938" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17940" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17942" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>The teams also has some stretch bigs as well, which could prove to be a dangerous weapon for the Windy City Bulls, as basketball has become a three-point shooting game. One man stands out, and that is the 6’10” Coreonte DeBerry who, during the first practice of the week, was drilling long mid-range shots and three-point bombs and had a small streak going, hitting at least five in a row.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17944" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17946" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17948" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Over the years, the sport has seen more stretch bigs come out of college and play professionally. Some of the current centers and power forwards in the NBA developed three-point shots such as Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17950" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17952" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17954" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>Basketball is already mostly a big man’s game anyway, and the fact that some of these guys can drill three pointers just makes the four and five positions that much more vital to team success. This is why the Windy City Bulls could open some eyes during their very first season as, with a well balanced offensive and defensive squad, there’s a little bit of everything that the team has to offer.</div><div id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17956" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'> </div><div style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'></div><div dir="ltr" id="x_yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478954498928_17958" style='font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;'>It should be an exciting season of Windy City Bulls basketball and the Sears Centre will no doubt be rocking with pumped up fans. First game is Nov. 11th vs the Long Island Nets. </div>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/43588002016-09-06T11:51:08-05:002023-12-30T06:45:15-06:00Windy City Bulls Preview for the 2016-17 Season<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/172532/f8b1466efdd6d7c26e203f1818cc684cbd8c6a3d/original/windy-city-bulls-800x600.jpg?1473180649" class="size_l justify_center border_" />By Michael Walton II </p>
<p>The inaugural season of the Windy City Bulls is almost upon us. With that being said, it may be safe to assume the average basketball fan is not familiar with the current roster of Chicago's new D League franchise. Well never fear! Your resident hip-hop-and-hoops-head is here to inform you that the team is stocked with talent and is sure to compete this upcoming season. </p>
<p>The starting lineup will most likely be a small-ball group. They should play fast and emulate the style that Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg would like his team to play. </p>
<p>Projected Starting Lineup: </p>
<p>PG- Kiwi Gardner </p>
<p>SG- Jerel McNeal </p>
<p>SF- Wesley Saunders </p>
<p>PF- Jamal Jones </p>
<p>C- Ralph Sampson III </p>
<p>Bench: </p>
<p>Casey Prather </p>
<p>Akeem Richmond </p>
<p>Booker Woodfox </p>
<p>Justin Dentmon </p>
<p>Jon Octeus </p>
<p>Xavier Thames </p>
<p>Ian Chiles </p>
<p>Reasoning:</p>
<p>Jamal Jones will get the start if he assimilates well with the rest of the group. The Windy City Bulls could go super small and elect to start Casey Prather (a 6-foot 5 athletic swingman from the University of Florida) or one of their other guards, but Jones will get the nod because of his natural size for the power forward position at 6 foot 8. (Jamal Jones scores 26 points on the Erie BayHawks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B65Bsz2TydA) </p>
<p>Jones can get out in the passing lanes in a hurry on defense. On offense his size and leaping ability make him a great finisher in transition, but he could still add a bit more bulk to his frame. The fact that he is a former point guard (in high school) is icing on the cake, as ball-handling from the forward spot is ALWAYS a plus. He played one year at Texas A&M and actually was the offensive leader on the team. </p>
<p>The rest of the lineup is very intriguing as well. Former Creighton and Texas Legends guard Booker Woodfox has one of the cooler names in the NBA D-League. On top of that great name the man is an absolute knockdown three-point shooter. He shot 39 percent from three-point range last season with Texas Legends. </p>
<p>Kiwi Gardner is a 5-foot 7 guard with explosive quickness and slick handles. His ball-handling and shooting ability make him valuable, but his streakiness and size are his biggest disadvantages. Jerel McNeal is a veteran and Chicago native who starred at Marquette in the mid-2000's, but has been fighting for an NBA spot for several years now. He had a brief breakthrough during the 14-15’ NBA season where he played six games with the Phoenix Suns. He spent the last year playing in the Greek A1 league where he scored 14 points per game also shooting 37% from three. </p>
<p>The most interesting pick in the expansion draft was the Windy City Bulls' first one, Wesley Saunders, who was a former Ivy League Player of the Year at Harvard. He hasn’t produced much in the NBA D-League, but he is also the youngest player on the Windy City Bulls so there's plenty of time for him to grow. He sports shaky shooting mechanics, but his offensive versatility will make him very useful to the Windy City Bulls. He operates well as a facilitator, especially in the pick-and-roll, so he, McNeal, Woodfox, and Gardner could conceivably all play well together in various backcourt combinations due to Saunders' ability to get others the ball in their favorite spots on the floor. </p>
<p>The Windy City Bulls will surely having growing pains, just like any expansion team would. But the fact that the Bulls were able to land three players below the age of 25 who could go on to NBA roles is an encouraging sign. When you have players that young with that much potential and you put them on a team with hard workers like Chicago's own Jerel McNeal, you are putting guys in a situation that is built for them to succeed. The expansion draft marks a new era for the Chicago Bulls organization going forward. The collection of talent on the Windy City Bulls roster certainly points towards a bright future for that era.</p>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/43219932016-08-12T11:46:47-05:002024-02-27T06:12:40-06:005 Observations From Bears Training Camp 8/1<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/172532/8fbba6c60870517e7ce348d239f333441e0a7a1e/original/jay-cutler-nfl-chicago-bears-training-camp-850x560.jpg?1471020394" class="size_l justify_center border_" />By Dave Steuben<br><br><em>Bears Training Camp in Bourbonnais, August 1st 2016</em></p>
<p>1. Jay Cutler is the Team's Leader <br><br>Cutler looked comfortable running Dowell Loggains' offense on Monday. He stayed calm in the pocket throughout practice and hit his receivers in stride. He did throw a early interception but it was on a tipped pass over the middle. Comparing Cutler to back-up QB Brian Hoyer, Cutler looked leaps and bounds ahead of him running the offense. Ka’deem Carey, 3rd year running back, said of Cutler “He’s the leader of this team. He is really intelligent, and he is definitely the captain when we're out there.” Cutler also looked very comfortable throwing to his new weapon Kevin White connecting a few times with him throughout practice. Overall, Cutler looks to be in mid season form. </p>
<p>2. The Wide Receiver Duo is Legit </p>
<p>Alshon Jeffery &Kevin White looked great on Monday at training camp. Both players brought a different aspect to the offense. Jeffery used his big frame to block out smaller cornerbacks in one on one drills. He was physical and crisp with his routes. He easily got open throughout the day for any one of the four quarterbacks throwing to him. Kevin White on the other hand, can be considered as more of the fine European sports car of the two talented wideouts. White quickly comes off the line with quick explosiveness. Cutler and White seem to already have a great relationship building after White sat out all of last year due to shin injury. White displayed great body control and hands as practice progressed. During red zone drills late in practice, White and Cutler connected for a touchdown. White beat the corner on a ten yard out route. White crossed the corners face on the goal line, and used his 6’3″ frame to get position for the score. If Jeffery, White, and Cutler can stay healthy this might be the start of something great. </p>
<p>3. Three Headed Monster at Running Back </p>
<p>Head coach John Fox is showing all of the indications that the Bears will use all three of their running backs this year. In practice, all three young running backs where able to get work: Jeremy Langford, Ka’deem Carey, and rookie Jordan Howard. Of the three, at the moment it looks like Langford will be the starter. Langford looks to be the most complete of the three running backs at the moment. Carey brings something different to the table when he runs the ball. Kyle Long, right guard of the Bears, said “you can hear when Ka’deem runs the ball”. The goal line is somewhere you might see Carey running the ball this year. Jordan Howard, the rookie fifth round pick from Indiana University, looked to still be learning the new offense early in camp. Howard has all the looks of a great power back in the NFL. (6’1″ 230lbs) Once Howard learns this offense he might be cutting into some of Langford's touches. Fox will lean on all three of these running backs throughout the year. </p>
<p>4. The New Middle Linebackers </p>
<p>Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman we’re both ranked second and third at their position for 3-4 middle linebackers. Bears Running back Ka’deem Carey, said about the linebacking duo “they are so good I have to go back and watch film after practice.” Remarks like that tell of how quick and instinctual the duo is. Trevathan comes to the Bears off of a Super Bowl win with the Denver Broncos last season, and the Bears are hoping he can bring a winning attitude to the team this year. Jerrell Freeman also seemed to be a leader on the field when he was with his team on Monday. He was quick to hit gaps in the offense to stuff runs. Both players will help tremendously this season. </p>
<p>5. Can the Line Protect Jay?</p>
<p>On Monday there was one huge hole in the offensive line for the Bears. Three time Pro-Bowler Kyle Long was absent from practice, nursing a strained calf. However, the Bears have indicated it is nothing serious. Ted Larsen filled his spot on Monday, doing a solid job. 4 plays in to team on team drills, Larson started a scuffle with a Bears defensive lineman. Players at one point ran onto the field to help break up the fight. The intensity level on the line was game ready. Hroniss Grasu, second year center, looked to have put on some muscle in the offseason. Grasu got praise from his starting quarterback “he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. I have no complaints about him.” Grasu will have to come up big for the Bears this year if they want to keep Cutler healthy. Bobbie Massie at right tackle almost blocks out the sun, and to say that Massie is massive might be a understatement. He’ll bring size to the line this year after being picked up in the offseason from the Cardinals. Massie did get beat a few times by quicker outside pass rushers but looked powerful run blocking throughout practice. Rookie Guard Cody Whitehair from Kansas State made his presence felt with the first team, fitting in well with his new teammates. Whitehair was quick and powerful in practice and should slide into the left guard position nicely for the Bears this season. General Manager Ryan Pace had good things to say about Charles Leno Jr. ”He has grown over the years and seems to be steady now at left tackle.” The Chicago Bears are ranked 30th by pro football focus, but seemed to play much better as a unit in practice. </p>
<p>Overall: </p>
<p>The team looked intense and ready to play the season opener. Rookie first round pick Leonard Floyd did leave practice with a strained shoulder somewhat of a concern considering he looks underweight. Things seem to be trending upwards for this Bears team as they completed another day in pads at Bourbonnais.</p>ChicagolandSportsRadiotag:chicagolandsportsradio.com,2005:Post/42572852016-06-30T10:45:17-05:002023-12-10T11:00:45-06:00Celtics Draft Far From a Failure <p>Celtics Draft Far From a Failure <br>Peter Jennings, Chicagoland Sports <br> <br>Front offices in every sport spend countless hours, year after year, assessing the talents of kids playing against unequal levels of skill from all over the globe. They fly to remote locations, pore over game tape, interview coaches, friends and families and measure every part of the body that is measurable aside from the one that is taboo. <br> <br>And yet, every year, sure as the draft itself, the work of these tireless individuals is reduced down to a letter grade from media members everywhere. Don’t worry, I will spare you the argument saying how unjust this practice is - that people like Chad Ford or Mel Kiper have no right to judge the work of GM’s who’ve worked their whole life to attain the enviable positions they have - many media pundits have worked just as hard, watched just as much film and have just as discerning of an eye, I’m sure. Saying Adrian Wojnarowski’s opinion is less valid than a Gar Forman’s is like the athlete who backs up their shallow argument with “I played and you didn’t.” <br> <br>These draft grades make for great water cooler talk. I fall victim to them just as much, err, probably more than anyone else. People want validation for their team. We, as a society, desire to be graded, though I would argue that our system of grading is rather outdated. Why is a person that gets 10 percent of their answers right awarded the same letter as someone who nails 50 percent? If 15 of 20 people get a perfect score, why is the person who can only recall 17/20 correctly still awarded a B? And why the hell is there no grade E?! But I digress. <br> <br>I do believe there is a large amount of groupthink going on in these circles that pronounce winners and losers and the general consensus asserting the Boston Celtics as a loser of the 2016 NBA Draft couldn’t be further from correct. If they want to say that third overall pick Jaylen Brown was not the most transformational player on the board, that’s fine - I didn’t watch much Cal Bears last year, so far be it for me to peacock about his athleticism. If Guerschon Yabusele or Ante Zizic were the wrong Europeans to take at the wrong time, then in Chad Ford I will trust. Lawd knows General Manager Danny Ainge’s track record with drafting Europeans is about as good as mine when choosing a ripe peach. <br> <br>With that said, the only way to assess the Celtics success in last Thursday’s draft is with a big fat A - or, if you’ve a Montessori background, with a great big hug. Three years ago the Celtics were carrying three well-past-prime stars, a malcontent point guard who couldn’t shoot and a young small forward in Jeff Green whose best asset was looking good in his uniform. Fans and media alike were crying that Ainge missed his window to rebuild. <br> <br>Instead, he found a rich Russian in win-now mode willing to part with three valuable draft picks, the first of which became the aforementioned Brown. He spotted a team in Dallas with a desperate need for a point guard willing to part with another first rounder, as well as a wing in Jae Crowder who is already a better player than the jettisoned Rajon Rondo, whom the modern NBA has passed by. Later, another first was acquired for the services of Green, a player that has made every team he enters worse, and every team he exits better. Heck, the Celtics even got an extra first in last year’s draft for shipping out Doc Rivers and then immediately replaced him with a better coach! <br> <br>What many have argued is that, beyond the picks, this draft was a failure because Ainge was not able to turn his treasure trove of assets into a star - someone like Jimmy Butler who could then be used to lure more free agents. But after all of the maneuvering that he’s done to get this Celtics team back into the playoff picture far ahead of schedule, does anyone truly believe it was due to a lack of effort? If the trades aren’t there, the trades aren’t there. <br> <br>As a native of the greater Boston area, I grew up in an era when the Celtics were trading away a young Joe Johnson for Milt Palacio and Tony Delk, or Kenny Anderson for Vitaly Potapenko and an alcoholic Vin Baker. Since Danny Ainge has been at the helm, the ghosts of such trades have nearly been forgotten. After delivering a title and a rapid rebuild, I’ve developed the same faith in him that I have for Bill Belichick. I also know that Boston is not the most sought after destination for NBA free agents. It’s cold, has a racist past, a ravenous media, an impossible road system and can claim no more than 100 attractive women. If the Celtics strikeout in free agency as well, blaming Ainge or owner Wyc Grousbeck would also be misguided. <br> <br>Teams whiff in the draft every year - even the Spurs. It’s the most inexact science there is in sport. All you can ask of your GM is to put your team in the best chance to get as many cracks at greatness as possible. Not everyone can be Cleveland - a city that cries of a sordid sports history, yet has fallen ass-backwards into four number one overall picks this century. Front offices are smarter than at any other time in sports history and most are reading from the same playbook, which only makes the asset gathering Ainge has done over the past few years more impressive. <br> <br>If the pundits do turn out to be right and the Celtics did miss on this year’s picks, who cares? At least they got to make them. Besides, the same hope fans had for this year’s draft will exist next year and the year after that, thanks to the Gordon Gekko residing in the TD Garden. <br> <br>It’s easy to place a grade-A on drafts for the 76ers and Lakers, who lucked their way into the consensus best players in the draft. However, the future for those players is not assured and the futures of those teams is certainly less bright than that of the 17-time NBA Champions who haven’t had the first overall pick since 1950. In today’s sports landscape, I will take a top-tier front office over a top-tier draft pick any day. <br> <br>In Ainge We Trust.</p>ChicagolandSportsRadio