National Pride

Bulls forward Andres Nocioni is hungry to repeat as a gold medal winner at the Beijing games.  Nocioni and the Argentinean squad shocked the world in Athens in 2004, defeating the United States and going on to win the gold.  Nocioni expressed the intense pride he feels when playing for his home country of Argentina.  “I love to play for the Chicago Bulls because I’m the kind of guy that when I play somewhere for more than two years, it becomes my team to me emotionally,” Nocioni said in a story in the Chicago Tribune. “But with the national team, you are representing your home country. So I feel it in my heart, I feel it in my chest, I feel it in my national colors.”

Nocioni has never been one to conceal his emotions.  He gives everything he’s got out on the floor, whether playing for Argentina or the Bulls.  With Luol Deng locked up to a long term contract, Nocioni is clearly considered to be a role player as the two play the same position.  He’s the type of role player that brings a lot to the table though, as his game is versatile and he’s never lacking in the hustle department.

Get all your Chicago Bulls tickets at Stubhub.com.