Fan favorites. One thing we can say for certain about fan favorites is that they’re our favorite. But why? Is it the hustle? The grit? Is it that they have a name consisting of two-to-four syllables that a crowd of thousands can chant in unison? Yes. That actually covers it.
Today we recall Andres Nocioni.
Played for:
Chicago Bulls, 2004-2009
From:
Argentina.
Height/weight:
Big. Strong.
Known for:
Most flying elbows since Rodman.
Beloved for:
Made Udonis Haslem mad.
Career highlight:
Chicago Bulls player of the year in 2005-06 after harassing Miami Heat in playoffs.
Traded for:
John Salmons and Brad Miller.
Less known for in the States:
Began professional career in the Argentine basketball league in 1995 at the age of 16. Voted the league’s Best Sixth Man in 1998-99. Voted Spanish league MVP in 2004. Won Olympic gold and bronze medals with Argentina in 2004 and 2008, respectively. Won the European Triple Crown with Real Madrid in 2015. Medaled in various world championships an additional 8 times.
Argentina’s in South America, right:
Um…yes.
And now he plays for Madrid:
In July of 2016 Nocioni re-signed with Real Madrid.
And that’s in…
Spain.
Europe’s Spain?:
Yes. Europe’s Spain.
Wow, so he’s pretty good, huh:
A fan favorite.
