Did anyone see Michael Smith's interview with Joakim Noah on Rome is Burning yesterday on ESPN?  I was one of the many Bulls fans that was initially disappointed with the Noah pick, but I have to admit, the more I see this kid talk and carry himself, the more I like this kid.  My opinion change is exponential.

This kid isn't just happy and ecstatic to be in the NBA, he is genuinely ecstatic and excited to be in a Chicago Bulls uniform.  I haven't seen a kid this genuinely excited to be a Chicago Bull in a long time, and it's rather refreshing.

This guy isn't your typical NBA draft story.  This is not the kid who grew up in poverty and had basketball as his main option out of the hood.  His dad is a French tennis star, and his mom is a model.  If you believe in good breeding, what better pedigree can you have than that?

This kid didn't need basketball.  Like Matt Leinart he stayed in school longer because he like college and didn't need the money of a #1 draft pick.  He got good because he genuinely loves the game and he hates to lose. 

This guy was totally humble in the interview.  Totally different than the characature that we have seen on tv.  Very intelligent.  A great interviewee.  When asked about what his main personal goals were for his rookie season he answered, "to work as hard as I possibly can every day and to get better and better every day... to do whatever is asked of me by my team to win". 

Every answer this kid gave was team oriented.  When asked what he needed to improve on in his game he said he needed to improve on his shooting and his strength.  He also said that even the things that he is considered to do well he would like to improve upon.  That is the sign of a hard worker.  When asked about how the rookie of the year balloting comes out, he replied "I don't care... all those personal accolades, and all that stuff is poison... I just want to win... just like I was in college, it's all about team with me".

I pray this guy isn't all talk, and I doubt he is.