Gooden lights it up

While averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds during a recent four-game stretch, Bulls forward Drew Gooden suggested he has the skills to become an all-star caliber power forward.

He gave a nice demonstration in Tuesday night's victory over Atlanta. Gooden hit his first 5 shots, scored the Bulls' initial 10 points of the game, then had 20 points and 10 rebounds by halftime.

"Now I'm starting to get my shots in rhythm, whereas when I first got here I couldn't knock down an outside shot for nothing because I didn't know when it was coming," Gooden said. "But I'm starting to get more comfortable on this team."

Gooden finished with 31 points and 16 rebounds, just missing the Bulls' first 30-point, 20-rebound game since Marcus Fizer did it against Orlando on April 12, 2004.

"He was impressive," coach Jim Boylan said. "Early in the game, he really got us off to a nice start. He continued it pretty much throughout the game. I thought his effort was excellent, his rebounding was outstanding. He played like a power forward around the basket tonight."

Thabo still slowed: Before facing the Hawks, coach Jim Boylan forecast a larger role for Thabo Sefolosha, the Bulls' tallest guard at 6-feet-7.

Before Tuesday, Sefolosha didn't score in the previous two games and was averaging just 2.8 points in his last four. Boylan agreed that Sefolosha may not be 100 percent for the rest of the season because of a nagging groin injury. The second-year guard hit 2 of 10 shots for 4 points against the Hawks.

"The groin's going to be a problem for Thabo, especially back-to-back games," Boylan said. "That's when it has the most effect on him. I would expect him to be fine (against Atlanta) and then the question will be how he responds (tonight) when we have to play again."

One Pitt at a time: Contrary to popular belief, Bulls center Aaron Gray did not pick Pittsburgh to beat Pittsburgh for the championship on his NCAA Tournament bracket.

"No, I just put it in the wrong place and had to cross it out," Gray said before Tuesday's game. "I had Pitt beating Georgetown in the championship. My bracket is trashed."

Gray filled out his Final Four with Louisville and Duke. Only Louisville is still alive heading into the second weekend.

Gray's former team was a popular choice after winning the Big East tournament, but Pitt lost in the second round to Michigan State.

"I got so many texts and calls after that game," he said. "I was like, 'Why are you mad at me?' "