Grandfather’s visit should inspire Noah
Joakim Noah had no interest in discussing his superlative 21-point, 14-rebound performance in Game 4, which got overlooked because the Bulls lost and Derrick Rose limped off the floor.
“Right now it’s not about the numbers,” Noah said Monday. “It’s about winning basketball games.”
The topic that brought a twinkle to Noah’s eye is one he volunteered to reporters: His grandfather, Zacharie Noah, will be in the United Center for Tuesday night’s game.
The 72-year-old former professional soccer player lives in Cameroon and has never witnessed an NBA game.
“If you see somebody who looks a little lost out there, it’s probably him,” Noah said with a smile. “He doesn’t know anything (about basketball). He’ll feel it, though, and that’s all that matters.
“They don’t have a United Center out there. They have soccer, but not the UC … Sometimes it’s not about knowing about Xs and Os or pick and rolls. It’s about feeling the atmosphere.”
What Noah didn’t mention Monday is what happened the first time Yannick Noah’s father saw his grandson play basketball, on March 1, 2006: Noah had the game of his life.
He torched Georgia for 37 points and 11 rebounds in a 77-66 victory, breaking a school record for free throws made by draining 19 of 22 from the line.
“When your family is out there,” Noah told reporters after that game, “it’s just extra inspiration.”
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
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