We hosted an exclusive Q&A with Bulls G/F Onuralp Bitim in our official Discord server. Join here so you don't miss out on future giveaways and Q&As with Bulls players and alumni!
Question: OB! What's your favorite food in Chicago? - @Dale
Onuralp Bitim: That's a tough one because I love Chicago restaurants already but I'm going to say I love short ribeye. Wherever I go in Chicago, I'm just ordering short ribeye haha.
Q: Recommendations on Turkish food I should try? - @Quey
OB: I found some [Turkish places in Chicago] but some of them I still haven't been able to go to. I will let our fans know when I find a good Turkish spot. The manti is my favorite Turkish food -- it's like a ravioli, there's a little meat inside and then on top of it is tomato sauce and yogurt. I'm craving that.
Q: How did you feel the first time stepping on the UC court? - @YoungJordan
OB: It's unbelievable. It's a blessing to go out there in front of our Bulls fans because they're crazy. It's good to be around them because they're supportive and the atmosphere is just magical.
Q: Who inspires you and pushes you daily to get better at basketball? - @yvnyungboi
OB: My mom and my dad helped me a lot and then my basketball idols like MJ and Kobe. But mostly it was me because every day even when I'm tired, or low motivated I just found a way to motivate myself and follow my dreams.
Q: Who was a player that you idolized or grew up watching?
OB: MJ and Kobe, definitely. They both have a killer mentality and they're both huge competitors, not just great players or great scorers.
Q: Playing in Europe and now the US, what have been the biggest differences between the two? - @JiTarion
OB: I mean the game speed is very different here compared to Europe. Basketball is international but the speed and some things are different. There's much more skillful players here, better players here, so I mean attacking and defending when your opponent is really good can be harder.
Q: What does it mean to be able to play and represent your country with the National Team?
OB: It's a dream come true. I've always wanted to become an important national team player because it's a huge privilege to represent your country in front of the other countries. I think we have a very talented team and I have huge confidence that we will have a gold medal in some tournament in the next few years.
Q: Hello OB, I think most fans don't know you've won dunk contests in 2020 and 2019, are you interested in doing the Slam Dunk contest if you get invited? - @D-Flo27
OB: I mean definitely, why not? I'm a sneaky athlete, that's what my teammates say. If I have a good opportunity in a game, I will show our fans a nice 360° dunk.
Q: If you could posterize anyone currently playing or retired, who would you posterize? - @definitesauce12
OB: Definitely there are some players on my list that I want to poster but I don't want to tell the list because I don't want them to have a heads up haha. But definitely I have a list and it will come.
Q: Hey OB. Been following your journey from the UK since before you signed, which parts of your game do you think you need to improve to get regular NBA minutes? Also I'm going to Antalya in August, any recommendations for things to do? - @MattSeeRedUK
OB: I have a lot of plans to improve my skills. Since I came to the Bulls, I'm trying to focus on my quick decisions because the game is faster and you need to decide quick. And then also my shots because we have very capable, very skillful guards and they can find you whenever you are open. So I'm just trying to be ready to shoot.
Definitely, my family lives there actually! It's a very nice spot, the weather is kind of like Miami. Definitely you should visit the Konyaalti Beach, it's a very magical place. And then Belek for the nice hotels and great golf courses and everything. I can definitely recommend those. At Konyaalti Beach, there are nice cliffs and the sea and I'd recommend going out there and enjoying the view.
Q: Hey OB, huge fan of you brotha. I just want to know what it was like going from undrafted to a superstar off the bench. You truly have such a great come up and story and it’s very well-deserved! Also, what is it like playing alongside amazing players such as DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Coby White? What are your bonds with them? - @Super
OB: It's a huge privilege [playing next to them] because it's not only on the court that they're helping me and teaching me things. Also off the court, they are all great guys. They are all very humble. It's a huge privilege for me to have teammates and brothers like that.
Q: OB you had to be patient for most of the season before getting the opportunity to take your moment. How did you stay mentally ready for that? - @Neill See Red UK
OB: It might be exciting or stressful in the beginning but at the end of the day, I'm doing a job that I really love. And I'm doing a job that I'm really talented for. So when I hear my name, even if I got excited for a little bit, when I am stepping on the court, everything just goes away. It's the same basketball that I've been playing since I was a child, and I just focus on myself and my great teammates.
Q: OB glad to have you on the team! How do you feel about Chicago? - @itsjose
OB: I love it. I love enjoying the good restaurants or the riverwalk when the weather is nicer. I've only been in Chicago for let's say a season so there's still lots to explore. I've been to dinners with my teammates and some of our coaching staff so I'm still exploring a new place every day. So I can say Chicago is a beautiful place, there's a lot to do and I'm enjoying everything.