Deng rejoices over Olympic bid for Britain
Luol Deng received some great news this week.
FIBA’s Central Board voted to allow Great Britain automatic entry into the 2012 Olympic basketball competition as host country.
Since England has never been a basketball powerhouse, there was some doubt about whether it would be granted a free spot in the London Games, which are just over a year away. It has been decades since Britain competed in Olympic basketball.
The speculation ended Sunday with a 17-3 vote in favor of the automatic bid. Deng joined the British national team a few years ago and quickly made it more competitive.
“It’s great. I’m happy,” Deng said Wednesday.
Deng is hoping to add former Bulls guard Ben Gordon to the national squad. The team could also include former Illinois center Robert Archibald and occasional NBA power forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu.
Noah OK, Boozer progressing:Joakim Noah was back at the Berto Center on Wednesday after skipping Tuesday#146;s win over Washington with an illness.
#147;He was back to normal today #133; for him,#148; joked coach Tom Thibodeau.
Carlos Boozer, who has missed three games with a sprained left ankle, was still walking gingerly. He might end up skipping the next two games at New Jersey and Indiana.
#147;He#146;s coming along; still day-to-day,#148; Thibodeau said. #147;Each day he does a little bit more. Again, we want to be smart about it. When he#146;s completely healthy, he#146;ll be back.#148;
Queen of Soul sighting:Derrick Rose was disappointed his mother wasn#146;t at Tuesday#146;s game to meet legendary vocalist Aretha Franklin, who sat courtside at the United Center and even grooved a little when #147;Respect#148; was played.
#147;My mom loves her,#148; Rose said. #147;Growing up in a house like I lived in, when my family came over #8212; people playing cards, kids running around #8212; you#146;re going to hear one of her songs. I know she#146;d love to meet her.#148;
Butler delivers:Rasual Butler has made two brief appearances since joining the Bulls on March 3, but coach Tom Thibodeau offered plenty of praise for the job he#146;s done.
#147;He#146;s a great pro. He#146;s put a lot of work in,#148; Thibodeau said. #147;Right now, our rotation is set. He understands that. His job is to be great in practice, help the team prepare and be ready if he#146;s called upon. I think he#146;s getting more comfortable. I would not hesitate to use him. He#146;s done a great job so far.#148;