Oct. 07--No headband, no problem.
Bobby Portis is facing a season of adjustments coming from the college game into the pros and the rookie was successful making the first one during the Chicago Bulls' exhibition game opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night at the United Center.
"Everything felt perfect -- the only thing missing is my headband," Portis said after the Bulls downed the Bucks 105-95 in front of a crowd of 21,199. "I had to get past that little moment because it feels funny not wearing it."
After wearing a headband during games all his life, the team has told the rookie he can't wear one because of team policy. That didn't stop the Bulls' first-round pick (22nd overall) in the 2015 draft from putting on an impressive performance in his debut. Portis scored eight points and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds--including seven off the offensive glass -- in 23 minutes, 4 seconds of play against the Bucks.
"I thought Bobby Portis was phenomenal on the glass," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. "You go out there that first time as a rookie, usually you're intimidated and a little scared but there was none of that with Bobby Portis (on Tuesday)."
The SEC player of the year averaged 8.9 rebounds per game with Arkansas last season and picked up right where he left off against the Bucks.
"Offensive rebounds ... are something I hang my hat on," Portis said. "I just try to be that energy guy, bring some positive energy because I know our team isn't going to make every shot. So if I crash the glass I can at least get three or four of them a game."
