0
0
The Windy City Bulls start their 2026 campaign with a completely remade roster, the only holdover from las season is Emmanuel Miller, who joined the team midseason on a two-day deal. The Bulls do have a notable name on their squad, NBA fans will recognize Kevin Knox II, an 8 year NBA vet.
The Herd starts the season against the Bulls a second year in a row. They welcome Wisconsin favorite Johnny Davis to the squad. Former NBA lottery pick Kira Lewis Jr., plus Gianni’s brother, Alex Antetokounmpo.
Kevin Knox being the most experienced of the Bulls, should shoulder a big offensive load, which is exactly what he’s doing to start the game. The guy can still get buckets. David Muoka might be gone, but Windy City has a rim runner in second round pick, Aussie rookie Leachlan Olbrich. Who skies up for an alley-oop from Miller.
Another interesting player on this Windy City squad is Georgian, Giorgi Bezhanishvili, a former Illini player. A big with a shot. Already has a three in the books in the game. Could be that shooting big the team can count on this season.
This years Bulls team has the strengths that last years squad was lacking, which is athleticism, but has he weakness that was a strength last season, shooting. Through the first half of the season opener, Windy City is doing a lot of driving to the bucket, but not shooting much from the outside.
On a side note, already love Giorgi Bezhanishvili! During halftime there was a kids dancing troupe and while the players waited on the sideline to get to shoot around, Giorgi is dancing along and cheering on the kids. Pretty cool moment.
The problem the Bulls are running into is that the Herd has been crashing the paint with their bigs, in particular, Jeremiah Tilmon Jr., who appears to be an effective shot blocker.
Billy Donovan III likes to push the ball and play a fast tempo, he did it last year, and is doing it again. This team might be better equipped to a run-and-gun style. They are slashing and driving to the bucket, even when Wisconsin was offering some resistance at the rim.
The Bulls controlled the third quarter and had a double digit lead in the fourth. Wisconsin kept chipping away and got the game to within three with a minute left in the game. Leave it to the Aussie, Olbrich, to close it out with a strong drive to the basket. That put the Bulls up five with less than 30 seconds. Next possession it was that man Olbrich again! Strong drive to the basket and a finish. Looked like he was fouled also.
Final score Windy City Bulls win their opener 110-107. Barely hanging on. Just like last year, where the team blew big leads, but the difference this time was they closed out the win. Several positives to take away. Olbrich lead the way with 24 points and 15 boards. Big game.
TAKEAWAYS:
Olbrich looked very impressive, the big man plays like a power forward, even though he’s listed as a center. He’s versatile and athletic. He will be a key player for Windy City. As far as he fun factor goes, Giorgi will be a fun player to watch. His energy, passion and entertaining nature is infectious.
Up Next:
Windy City heads to Wisconsin to play the Herd, in a back-to-back, on November 11th.
