The Bulls’ latest draft choice of Dalen Terry fits a lot of what Bulls’ head coach Billy Donavon likes. He is a long guard, can defend multiple positions, and makes plays for others.
However, sometimes a draft selection can be more than the on-court fit.
Chicago’s History
Chicagoans are known for their resilience and perseverance.
This dates back to as far as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which killed approximately 300 people and destroyed 3.3 square miles of the city.
This city was literally built from ashes. It’s helped instill a mentality that nothing will keep us down.
Dalen Terry did not grow up in Chicago, as he grew up playing ball in Phoenix. His personality was like a Chicagoans in many ways though.
Dalen Terry’s Youth
For starters, he knew his goal of being a basketball player at an early age and put in the work. At 7 years old, he would wake up at 4:30 am to play pick-up games with his aunt’s basketball team.
His commitment to the game was unquestionable.
Terry the Teammate
Terry wasn’t about the numbers. He just cared about winning, dating back to his AAU days as his former coach was enamored by Dalen and how he handled himself off the court.
Players enjoy playing with him and Dalen knows it. That’s why he was the first recruit to commit to Arizona out of their 2020 class. Terry was so confident he could recruit others to follow and they did, giving Arizona the 7th best-recruiting class in the nation.
Dalen has shown how he can rally teammates towards a common goal and that’s something Chicago respects.
The Ugly
Chicago isn’t known for being kind and polite though. It’s the shady politicians, the gangsters, and the horrific weather that people know the city to be.
If this is what the city has been remembered as such, then why would anyone be proud of being from Chicago?
The Everyday Chicagoan
This is largely because there is a sense of toughness growing up here. We deal with these hurdles and stereotypes by working hard. We take pride in the big things like working through corruption, but also the littler events such as shoveling snow before work.
Chicago isn’t about being nice and neither is Dalen Terry.
Why Chicago Will Love Terry
Terry is known for his trash-talk. This was evident on the first day of summer league practice when Dalen Terry and Patrick Williams were going back and forth, trying to rattle each other. Afterward, Williams said that the rookie was the “top competitor of practice.”
Terry said he respects the praise from someone who has been in the league, but he’s not going to back down to anyone.
While that may seem like an unnecessary comment, Chicago fans see this as a sign of relief. The Bulls had a leader in Joakim Noah who was never nice on the court, but he was exactly what the city needed and represented.
Dalen Terry will need to forge his own path in Chicago, but his relentless effort, trash talk, and ability to rally teammates will make him a fan favorite for years to come.
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