Unlike many NBA stars who went through the AAU circuit before going to the NCAA and spent a season there, the Chicago Bulls’ rookie wingman Onuralp Bitim has not had as charmed a life in basketball. The 24-year-old has had to scratch and claw his way to a spot on the Bulls, even shunning numerous offers from top European clubs that would afford him a comfortable life.
However, Bitim was deadset on making it to the biggest basketball stage of them all—the NBA—and continues to do everything he can to shine for the Bulls.
With the Bulls’ roster downsized due to injuries, Bitim’s two-way contract was recently converted to a standard one. And in his third NBA game, Bitim repaid Chicago’s faith in him, producing 10 points and six rebounds in the Bulls’ incredible 132-123 double-overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“It was the best moment in my life,” Bitim said.
While many people marveled at how Bitim looked so composed playing crunchtime minutes despite being a rookie, Bitim explained this wasn’t his first time at the rodeo. He has played professional basketball in Turkey since he was only 17.
“Playing professionally since such a young age helped me a lot because, in the end, basketball is universal,” Bitim said.
After playing high school basketball at powerhouse Huntington Prep with Miles Bridges, Bitim shared he returned to Turkey to tend to personal matters. However, despite the setback, he remained focused on making it to the NBA despite the massive interest shown by professional teams in Europe.
“By then, the NBA was my only goal, and I started to realize I needed to show myself better for my future more than money-wise. There were a lot of European teams wanting me, but I chose to be here because I want to play in the NBA and I want to learn the game, and I think I cannot know (the NBA game without being here). It’s a long journey, and I am just happy to get started,” Bitim said.
“So, yes, there is much more (money) with top European teams. I just never think about the money. That’s how my family raised me. I just know my goals, and I know that if I chase my dreams, the money will come. The thing is I love playing basketball. I am a fan of basketball.”
