Deng Shining in Eurobasket

Great Britain had to spend nearly half a million dollars on an insurance premium to allow Bulls forward Luol Deng to play for the team in this year’s Eurobasket and it appears that it was money well spent.  Not expected to make it past the qualifying round, Great Britain defied most prognosticators, thanks largely in part to Deng’s averages of 24.2 points, 5.8 boards, 3.8 assists and 1.6 blocks per game.  Deng didn’t have much time to get situated with the team, as he was able to attend just two team practices before play started, but it didn’t seem to matter much.  Deng dropped 30 in a near upset of Isreal, immediately solidifying himself as the team’s best player.

Bulls fans have to like what they’re seeing from Deng in the Eurobasket.  He was awarded a hefty contract from the Bulls this offseason and the team will look for him to be their franchise player alongside rookie Derrick Rose.  Deng took a bit of a step back last season, but admitted being distracted by the early season rumors that he was going to be packaged in a deal for Lakers star Kobe Bryant.  With his future with the Bulls secured, this blogger is expecting a bounce-back season from Deng in the 2008-09 campaign and a potential All-Star selection.

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