After another disappointing regular season ending in a sub-.500 standing for the sixth time in seven seasons, there might be some help on the way for the Chicago Bulls. His potential is primarily untapped at the NBA level, only playing meaningfully in the second-to-last game of the regular season, where the Bulls rested many of their starters. With Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond each 30 years old or older, a young paint presence would be welcomed with open arms in Chicago. Who’s the newest rising star in red and black, and how soon can he make an impact at the professional level?
After three dominant seasons in college, Sanogo opted for the NBA draft, where he went undrafted. Soon after, he signed a two-way contract with the Bulls but only appeared in nine games during the regular season on a minimal basis. On the contrary, he tore up the G-League in his first year of professional basketball. He was 12th in points per game with 20.4, second in rebounds per game with 12.7, and first in player efficiency with a rating of 29.4. As a rookie, he certainly made a name for himself.
In college, Sanogo attended the University of Connecticut for three seasons, where he won the NCAA National Championship and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. During his tenure with the Huskies, he averaged 13.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, on 56% shooting from the field. He also added a three-point shot to his game during his final college season, making them at a 36.5% rate.
Sanogo’s first taste of real NBA action was a perfect introductory course for the newcomer. Facing the short-handed Washington Wizards, who held one of the league’s worst records, in the 81st game of the regular season, where the stakes were non-existent, he had a night for the ages. In 35 minutes of action in a two-point victory, the G-League star posted 22 points and 20 rebounds. Taking a page out of fellow center Andre Drummond’s book, Sanogo was a beast on the offensive glass with ten boards. With no lack in confidence, his performance was no surprise to himself.
He was the first NBA player with a 20/20 performance off the bench in three seasons and joined Victor Wembanyama, the runaway NBA Rookie Of The Year, as the only two rookies with a 20/20 game on the year. He’s also the youngest Chicago Bull to post those numbers since 2001. Despite the limited exposure, the Bulls may have found something in the 22-year-old inside force.
In addition to being named to the All-Rookie team amongst G-League players, he was named to the All-NBA G-League Third Team for his efforts this year. Drummond’s contract expires this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent that will be highly sought after by contending rosters. Look for the youngster to see more action next season and beyond as the Bulls continue to develop the former college star.
