Tyrus Thomas wore a pressed white oxford-cloth shirt, black slacks and a red tie with thin stripes.
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Luckily for him, he sported a Bulls baseball cap too. At times he pulled it down low and his eyes were barely visible during his first news conference as a Bull at the Berto Center.
Otherwise, the shy 19-year-old from Baton Rouge, La., looked right at home, along with Thabo Sefolosha, less than 24 hours after the Bulls selected them in the first round of the NBA draft.
Thomas was the fourth pick, taken by Portland and traded to the Bulls, who had selected LaMarcus Aldridge for the Blazers with the second pick.
The Bulls traded with the 76ers to get Sefolosha of Switzerland. Philadelphia picked him with the 13th selection for the Bulls, who in turn took Rodney Carney at No. 16 for the 76ers.
Thomas looked much more comfortable than he did during his visits with reporters leading up to the draft. It probably helps that he’s coming into an ideal situation.
Most teams with early picks are trying to get out of the NBA’s cellar, but the Bulls made the playoffs for the second straight season. They had an early pick because of the Eddy Curry trade with the Knicks.
Bulls general manager John Paxson has said Thomas was chosen for his outstanding potential as the best athlete in the draft. The Bulls believe they can afford to be patient.
“They made the playoffs, made a nice run,” Thomas said. “I’m going to have guys who experienced it. At the same time, they can relate to me. I think I’m in the best situation of all the rookies right now. I don’t have a lot of pressure on me.”
In contrast to Thomas, Sefolosha came across as laid-back. He wore a white T-shirt and long, baggy denim shorts.
Paxson described Sefolosha, 22, as worldly. At 18 he left his home in Switzerland to play in France and most recently played in Italy. He is fluent in English, French and Italian.
Paxson said he first scouted Sefolosha in a frigid, nondescript gym in Europe. Having experienced humble beginnings, Sefolosha said his new surroundings were amazing.
Most importantly for Sefolosha, his travels over the last four years should ease his transition to Chicago.
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Thomas’ transition should be helped by the presence of his uncle, Shedrick Franklin, who is moving his family to the Chicago area. Thomas grew up in a tight-knit family in Baton Rouge.
“That’s one of the reasons I moved here, to help him along in the process of becoming a professional athlete, just to be here to give him guidance and direction,” said Franklin, who was a teacher in Oklahoma City.
Thomas wore jersey No. 32 for his Bulls debut, but he hopes to make a switch to 24, currently worn by Othella Harrington. The Bulls have an option on Harrington and his future here depends on the Bulls’ acquisitions during free agency.
Thomas wore 12 during college, which isn’t available because it belongs to Kirk Hinrich. He decided on 24, combining 12 with the No. 12 worn by close friend Ryan Francis, the USC guard fatally shot last month.
Sefolosha said he wanted jersey No. 2 for his birthday, May 2.