Chicago Bulls forward Adama Sanogo during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Ancient UConn men’s basketball star Adama Sanogo scored his first career points in the NBA Chicago Bulls’ 110-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
Chicago goalie Dalen Terry drove to the lane and threw a rainbow-style pass to Sanogo on the opposite block. Sanogo caught the pass, despite the defensive efforts of Sixers guard Jaden Springer, and moved up with confidence, sinking a shot with 5:19 to play.
Adama finished the night with eight points on 3-of-3 shooting from the field and pulled down six rebounds in just nine minutes of play.
The 6-foot-7 forward was a driving force in UConn winning the 2023 national championship. He was named an NCAA Final Four MOP for his powerful performance. Sanogo was not written but was picked up by the Chicago Bulls on a two-way contract. There was a UConn connection before Sanogo arrived in Chicago as Bulls coach Billy Donovan has good connections with Husky head coach Dan Hurley.
After impressing the franchise with his outstanding matches in the summer league then proving his abilities once again during the pre-season, Sanogo made Official Chicago List on October 26 before being sent to the G League.
Sanogo averaged 17.7 points and 10.8 rebounds in 16 games with the G League’s Windy City Bulls. He was added to the NBA Bulls last week and played one minute in a loss to the Indiana Pacers on December 28.
