In the second to last game of his USC career, Taj Gibson made 10-out-of-10 shots to lead the Trojans past Boston College in the first round of the 2009 NCAA tournament. Despite shooting over 60% from the field as a junior, he was not a highly touted prospect because he was already 24 years old by draft night.
The Chicago Bulls selected the young veteran anyway with the 26th pick in the first round and they have reaped immediate dividends from Gibson's experience and efficiency.
He was a starter for most of his rookie season, but high-priced free agent Carlos Boozer displaced him from that role this year. But now, the former Trojan is pushing the All-Star out of crunch time minutes in the Bulls tight series with the Hawks.
In the last three games, Gibson has made 13 of 17 shots to boost Chicago to a 3-2 series lead. And in the last two wins, he's closed the game on the floor with Boozer mostly watching from the sidelines.
As any Trojan hoops fan knows, Gibson's energy and defensive presence are tough to resist when the game is on the line.
The Chicago Bulls selected the young veteran anyway with the 26th pick in the first round and they have reaped immediate dividends from Gibson's experience and efficiency.He was a starter for most of his rookie season, but high-priced free agent Carlos Boozer displaced him from that role this year. But now, the former Trojan is pushing the All-Star out of crunch time minutes in the Bulls tight series with the Hawks.
In the last three games, Gibson has made 13 of 17 shots to boost Chicago to a 3-2 series lead. And in the last two wins, he's closed the game on the floor with Boozer mostly watching from the sidelines.
As any Trojan hoops fan knows, Gibson's energy and defensive presence are tough to resist when the game is on the line.
Leave a comment