Basketball is back (kind of)!
The FIBA World Cup is officially underway and Team USA tipped-off their gold medal campaign against the Czech Republic in China this weekend. While the U.S. walked away with an 88-67 win, it was a Czech player who walked away with the game’s best performance.
All right, I’ll stop beating around the bush … new Bulls point guard Tomas Satoransky lit it up!
Satoransky is dominating this game right now and USA is taking way too many jumpers.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) September 1, 2019
Yup, Sato was “dominating” all throughout the contest, as he put up the game-high in points (17) and assists (5). He had the benefit of playing 28 minutes on the court, which was also the most out of any guy out there, but he still out-performed some of Team USA’s most notable players. For reference, Donovan Mitchell had the second-most points with 16 on the night in 28 minutes, while Kemba Walker had the second-most assists with four.
In just one FIBA game, Satoransky provided Bulls faithful with several reasons to look forward to the upcoming season. He shot 7-13, going 1-2 from downtown with multiple highlight-reel making plays, including this ferocious dunk:
Ok, @satoransky 😳🔥 https://t.co/Lxg2RB0xkZ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 1, 2019
An open drive down the lane for thunderous one-handed slam has become a Satoransky-staple, and I expect the Bulls to see much of the same over the course of the season. Although, his play and shot-making ability will fill the real need for the franchise, and those were on full display throughout the game.
Check it out:
Great dish by Thomas Satoransky pic.twitter.com/w1nthxtw8c
— Play Gary Clark (NBA (@Itamar1710) September 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1168146340636807178?s=20
Satoransky off the wrong foot. #FIBAWorldCup2019 #BullsNation @chicagobulls pic.twitter.com/ldV6OTpqjo
— Chicago Bulls Manila (@BullsNationPH) September 1, 2019
Newly acquired Chicago #Bull, Tomas Satoransky has been a shot in the arm for the CZE! #Bullsnation pic.twitter.com/69OuNwebbh
— Buzz ✶ (@BuzzOnTap) September 1, 2019
Yeah, me likey.
People have been high on the addition of Satoransky for the Bulls this offseason, and performances like this are reasons why. It’s easy to see that, with the appropriate pieces around him, Satoransky could really become the strong facilitator and difference-maker the Bulls are looking for at the point guard position this season.
The only downside to Satoransky’s performance was his four turnovers, which, ideally, shouldn’t become an issue after he only averaged 1.5 a game last season. At the end of the day, we’ve only gotten positives vibes from Satoransky this summer, and it’ll be fun to keep getting some FIBA highlights to hold us over until training camp and the preseason starts up.