Undrafted Free Agents

by Ceasaleo on Jun 30, 2009 4:11 AM CDT

I know Summer League isn't until mid July, but won't we be having a mini camp or something coming up soon. Besides our 2 rookies, DeMarcus Nelson, and I guess Anthony Roberson.. Who else goes on our squad? Maybe Aaron Gray again? I did see that we picked up a 7 footer from ND, Luke Zeller, I think his name was. We know D. Rose will be with team USA

Here's some undrafted guys I wouldn't mind taking a flier on: (we actually had more than a couple of these guys in to workout)

Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews- Both are Marquette guards. McNeal is a little undersized as a 2, but he can shoot, get to the rack, an his D is a monster. Matthews has the size, but needs a more consistent handle and shot. McNeal could stick easily.

Josh Heytvelt- PF from Gonzaga. He has all the tools to be a more than serviceable big man on the roster. I'd take him over Gray, but is his head on str8? If he's decided that he wants to take ball seriously, pick him up

Luke Nevill- legit 7 footer from Utah. Don't know much about him, but I've read that he gave BJ Mullens fits every time the two were matched in pre draft workouts, that's enough for me.

Alex Ruoff- SG from West VA. Has a lights out shot and is tough defender, good ball skills and passer. Athleticism is his problem.

Micah Downs- SF from Gonzaga. This one guy I would definitely go after. If u liked Chase Budinger, u'll like this guy. Just as good a shooter with more athleticism, and way better defender.

Dar Tucker- SG from DePaul. Not sure why this guy left early, he definitely needed some more seasoning in college. But he's a freak athletically, and has a nice stroke.

Alonzo Gee- SG from Bama. Not much of a shooter, but he's a scorer. Needs to improve ball handling too.

Josh Carter- SG from Texas A&M. Dead eye outside shot. Just can't get his own, but off drive and kick he's dangerous. Would be a nice complement in our offense.

Out of these guys, I'm most interested in Luke Nevill, Micah Downs, and Jerel McNeal. You guys got any others to look at.

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

Tweet Comment 47 comments | 2 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Dar Tucker pulled a Paul McPherson.

by CrashDavis on Jun 30, 2009 7:27 AM CDT reply actions

Two guys.

Paul Harris.
I think he’s got impossibly-high perimeter defense superstar potential.

And Josh Heytvelt.
An athletic big guy who can shoot.

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2009 8:04 AM CDT reply actions

Heytvelt seems like a good idea for a low-risk pickup...

He would add athleticism and offensive prowess in the post. I’m less enthusiastic about Paul Harris (he has absolutely no shooting touch). But again, as a cheap “take a look” type of guy I’d be fine with him as well.

by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions

I just like the guy after watching the interview.

And yeah, as a Summer League guy, there are terribly worse pick ups.

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Ditto on Harris

While looking at Cuse, how about Devendorf? Hes immature, but the kid has handle, he can shoot and he can finish in traffic with both hands.

by chlutz508 on Jun 30, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions

harris signed with cleveland

by Calogero on Jun 30, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

and by cleveland

i meant minnesota’s summer league team
Link

by Calogero on Jun 30, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice post.

Do we know which of these names worked out for the Bulls? I think I remember McNeal working out at the Berto… anyone else?

by smash! on Jun 30, 2009 9:51 AM CDT reply actions

Yes,

Jerel McNeal- June 15
Josh Heytvelt- June 20
Luke Nevill- May 22
Alex Ruoff- June 11
Micah Downs- June 21

My picks for Summer League: Jerel McNeal & Luke Nevill

by PricanStar on Jun 30, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

McNeal

Is probably my favorite out of that crop, plus he’s a local boy (Hillcrest HS) so he and Rose could possibly mesh in that respect. I like Heytvelt as well, but as Ceasaleo mentioned, does he have his head on straight? I guess nothing else has come about since his arrest for marijuana and shrooms, so maybe he does. Either way, those are my two picks. McNeal could become an instant-offense player like Gordon and Heyvelt would be the big, physical presence needed down low.

Rumor has it Alex Brown keeps Chris Simms' right index finger in his back pocket for good luck.

by HanelucaTC on Jun 30, 2009 10:41 AM CDT reply actions

McNeal is my choice too

but not for his offense, but for his defense. The guy really gets after it on the the defense, he can guard 1s and 2s and he is athletic and physical enough to go to the rim.

I don’t really likey Heytvelt. He seemed to get dominated any time Gonzaga went up against premier competition. If any of the bigs were legit, I figured they get picked.

by Basketball Smurf on Jun 30, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

I’ve liked McNeal for quite some time….he’s my choice.

THE BULLS ARE GOING TO WIN IN 2010....maybe by stating this the positive vibes can make it happen.

by majoyenrac on Jun 30, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.

heytvelt would be brought in for summer league play. not a lot of risk.

For these guys, I think: “What are the positives they bring that maaaayyyybe they could really excel at as a 10th man off the bench?”

There are too many negatives for all these guys to even consider any of them, in my opinion. That’s why they weren’t drafted, after all.

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

I love me some Antonio Anderson

He played SG next to Derrick Rose at Memphis in 2008. Except Derrick couldn’t guard anybody, so Anderson did it all on the defensive end, famously shutting down DJ Augustin and Darren Collison in back-to-back tournament games. Dude’s 6’6", so my guess is his defense will translate to the NBA.

His passing is a nice bonus. His 4.5 assists per game led Memphis this year, and his 34.3 minutes per game led the team by a wide margin.

He wasn’t invited to the combine, and I didn’t see him on any draft boards pre-draft. I don’t get it. He seems like a Terrence Williams-lite, and with his history with Rose, I think he’d have a good shot of making the team over Roberson/Nelson, who I’m not sure give us anything.

by YaoPau on Jun 30, 2009 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

I'm with you on A.A.

I am also confused as to why he got absolutely no love in pre-draft workouts. I’m not saying he should have been a first rounder, but he was a good starter on an amazing team — why didn’t anyone at least take a look?

by Rose Colored Goggles on Jun 30, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

And by A.A. I meant Antonio Anderson

…not angryandy.

by Rose Colored Goggles on Jun 30, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Jerel McNeal 1 on 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnqLRSzlrSg

With a booger at the 33 mark. Just saying.

by PricanStar on Jun 30, 2009 1:58 PM CDT reply actions

Micah Downs is solid

but he’s about half as athletic as Chase Budinger. I agree on the defense and shooting though. His teammate Heyvelt would be intriguing as well and would at least be a more potent 10th man than Gray.

by RussBus65 on Jun 30, 2009 2:21 PM CDT reply actions

Downs also doesn't bring the ball-handling or passing that Budinger does.

Budinger might not be great, but that just tells you how little Downs brings.

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Downs is pretty athletic...

his problem is that he doesn’t bring anything besides the athleticism.

by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I picked my three guys because...

Nevill > Gray — Even though Heytvelt seems to have all the tools, he just seems flaky to me. I’ll take the legit 7’2 guy, and from what I’ve read on him pre-draft, seems to have some post offense and he isn’t a statue.

McNeal > Roberson — I’m a G’Town fan, so I watch a lot of Big East ball. This guy was a monster all season long, I’m pretty sure he was All Big East, which is no slouch. He can immediately help out on D. And has enough Offense to make some things happen.

Downs > Linton Johnson — I think his problem was that he forced his offense too much. He has a nice shot, does need to work on handles, but let the guy come in and fill the lanes and lock up on someone’s 2 or 3

Fresh blood for the end of the bench, some hungry guys that want to get after it on D. That’s what I’m looking for.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 30, 2009 3:23 PM CDT reply actions

"legit 7'2"??? you have measurements somewhere?

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

My bad I was an inch off

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Luke-Nevill-548/

He might be 7’1" and some change

by Ceasaleo on Jun 30, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Where did you get "and some change" from?

As far as I can tell, he wasn’t measured. He could be 7’ 0.5".

I just don’t understand the need to throw “legit” out there when there really is nothing legitimate about what you said. But people like to speak in cliches, even if they don’t know what they mean. I should just deal with the laziness, I suppose.

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jun 30, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL It really isn't that serious Tyger

by Ceasaleo on Jul 1, 2009 2:45 AM CDT up reply actions

being lazy is serious

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jul 1, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

I’d expect a few guards to be brought in, maybe those Marquette players

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 30, 2009 3:39 PM CDT reply actions

luke nevill=aaron gray

Asked what kind of player he expects to be in the next five years, he said: "Not a star, but like, a superstar. Something around, like, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, something like that."

by BigBenign on Jun 30, 2009 3:49 PM CDT reply actions

with 2 more inches and...

he actually block shots too

by Ceasaleo on Jun 30, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

And I want Ben Woodside on the summer league team

He once made 30 free throws in one game. He dropped 37 on Kansas in the NCAA Tournament on just 23 shots. I feel like I’m writing a Dos Equis commercial.

by YaoPau on Jun 30, 2009 4:07 PM CDT reply actions

Stay thirsty, my friend lol

by Ceasaleo on Jun 30, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Ben Woodside

Will play for the Timberwolves for their summer league team. Like they need another PG….

by Chicagosportsfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I apologize for bringing him up for the third time in about a week,

but, if he hasn’t agreed to play for another summer team, I’d like to give Dionte Christmas a shot. The guy can flat-out shoot, and he’s a big SG (6’5"), so he could challenge McNeal (and the incumbent Roberson) for the deep bench SG spot. If McNeal is 100% healthy and back to his old self, he’s probably the best of the 3, but Christmas gives them someone else to look at who brings different elements to the table.

by T-Boogie on Jun 30, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions

Interesting a Puerto Rican.

I’d like to see him make it in the NBA just cause he is Puerto Rican like me. LOL

by PricanStar on Jul 1, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice..

He’s a big SG, bout 6’6, might be strong enough to play some SF too. Really good shooter. I remember him lighting up Duke in a game last year, where he scored the majority of his points in the 2nd half, almost leading the Hokies to the victory.

by Ceasaleo on Jul 1, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Sweet, thanks for the info.

I’ve never heard of him until this post. Does he play Defense?

by PricanStar on Jul 1, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

From what I saw...

He plays solid D, not spectacular, but solid..

by Ceasaleo on Jul 1, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I found the Vassallo highlights of that game.

http://vimeo.com/4327991

by PricanStar on Jul 1, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Other than some of the undrafted players listed ealier, I'd like to see

Joe Krabbenhoft (Wisconsin) SF.
John Bryant (Santa Clara) C. (14.2 RPG in 31 MPG)
Garret Siler (Augusta State) C.
Jeremy Pargo (Gonzaga) PG.
Kevin Rogers (Baylor) PF.

by benhertz on Jul 1, 2009 6:33 AM CDT reply actions

Chicago 2009 NBA Summer League Game Schedule (No Roster yet).

Wednesday July 15 (3pm): Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls
Friday July 17 (5:30pm): Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls
Saturday July 18 (3pm): Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks
Sunday July 19 (3pm): Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Chicago Bulls

by PricanStar on Jul 1, 2009 2:09 PM CDT reply actions

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/summerleague_090701.html

Bryan Mullins
Josh Shipp
Anthony Roberson
Chris Davis
Taurean Green
Lorenzo Mata-Real
James Johnson
DeMarcus Nelson
Taj Gibson
Julius Hodge
Brandon Costner
Tyrell Biggs
James Augustine
Nick Lewis
AD Vassallo
Luke Zeller
Linton Johnson III

HEAD COACH: Vinny Del Negro
SUMMER LEAGUE HEAD COACH/ASSISTANT COACH: Bob Ociepka
ASSISTANT COACHES: Bernie Bickerstaff, Pete Myers, Mike Wilhelm, Nick Nurse (Iowa Energy)
ASSISTANT COACH/PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Dave Severns
ADVANCE SCOUT: Chris Thomas
HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER: Fred Tedeschi
ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER: Jeff Tanaka
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH: Erik Helland
ASSISTANT STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH: Joshua Bonhotal
EQUIPMENT MANAGER: John Ligmanowski
VIDEO COORDINATOR: Adam Tatalovich

by benhertz on Jul 2, 2009 9:00 PM CDT reply actions

I remember his gold medal winning bout in the 1984 Olympics.

Tyrell Biggs

"Whoever was responsible for pulling that offer [to Ben Gordon] off the table...bring him before me and I'll punch him right in the face " - Frederick Pfeiffer

by Granny Waiters on Jul 2, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Yea but do u remember this?...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5ikkl_mike-tyson-vs-tyrell-biggs_sport

CRUCIAL!!!

Oh and he’s also a combo forward from Pitt LOL

by Ceasaleo on Jul 5, 2009 4:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Just Noticed Something...

Look at the some rookies on this summer league team: Bryan Mullins, Josh Shipp, Chris Davis, AD Vasallo, Luke Zeller. These guys were all brought in and worked out against 1st round talent. Or guys that we figured we were looking at for one of those 2 1st round picks or an early 2nd.
Check it out:
Vasallo was in here during the same workout as Gerald Henderson, Omar Casspri, and Chase Budinger. He must have showed something in the workout for us to then pass on Casspri and Budinger with that 2nd 1st round pick. Same workout that Gibson showed his defensive potential, because he was matched up with 2/3’s in this workout after not being able to compete in the first big man workout.

Mullins came in and competed against Nick Calathes, Jeff Teague, and Eric Maynor. Teague and Maynor both 1st rounders, Calathes could’ve easily been one too.
Davis was in against Lester Hudson, who Boston picked up in the 2nd round.

Shipp came in against a couple of favorites that were named earlier in this post, Antonio Anderson and Micah Downs.

And Costner and Zeller, who came in as a replacement for Heyvelt , played against guys like Blair, Harangody, Gani Lawai, Alade Aminu, and Jeff Adrien

So we’ve not only had a look at all these guys, but we’ve had them in against quality competition already. They may not be world beaters, but they could be more than “just another guy”

by Ceasaleo on Jul 5, 2009 7:17 AM CDT reply actions