Chicago Bulls sign big man Adama Sanogo to two-way contract

Here's some insight on the Bulls' latest two-way signee Adama Sanogo.

For a team that entered the 2023 NBA Draft without a single draft pick, the Chicago Bulls have come away with two players who may be able to help the squad next season. After picking defensive specialist Julian Phillips with the 35th pick, the team went on to sign UConn star Adama Sanogo to a two-way deal.

Decorated athlete

The former Huskie was an integral piece of Dan Hurley’s UConn squad that won it all earlier this year. He averaged 17.4 points, 7.7 boards, and 1.3 assists in his final season in the NCAA and made over 60 percent of his attempts. Aside from the NCAA men’s basketball title, Sanogo was deemed the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

At 6-foor-9, 240 pounds, Sanogo does most of his work inside the paint, which may not translate in the pros, given his lack of size and athleticism.

Inside presence

Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation understands the concerns surrounding Sanogo’s paint-protection skills. After all, he averaged just 1.2 blocks per game in his three NCAA seasons. However, given the contract he has with the Bulls, it’s a pretty good flyer to take on an accomplished athlete.

“There are undoubtedly concerns about his ability to help protect the rim. He does have the benefit of being an extremely strong presence, but that isn’t going to help him necessarily overcome his height deficiencies or lack of raw explosiveness. Still, I think this is a pretty great flyer for the Bulls to take. He’s an extremely unique player who might just have what it takes to carve out a legitimately helpful rotational role down the road,” Schuster wrote.