USC Men's Basketball: Trojan-Turned-All-Star Reflects On Challenging Eastern Conference

He is ready to defy the odds.

As we get set for the start of the new NBA season, one former Trojan is looking to make some noise in the Eastern Conference this year. Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan wants to get the Bulls back on track despite things going against his team.

The Bulls have been a middle-of-the-pack team for quite some time now, but DeRozan is determined to see this through with them. He is the leading man alongside guard Zach LaVine, and together, they want to surprise some people.

But it won't be easy, as the Eastern Conference is absolutely loaded. From the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and more, the Bulls could find themselves lost in the mix again.

But DeRozan isn't letting that get him down, and he spoke about it at the Bulls Media Day.

DeMar DeRozan on the Eastern Conference’s changing landscape: “I love it.” pic.twitter.com/YzZyHqbuZT

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) October 2, 2023

He is a competitor, and the former Trojan won't back down from anyone. It is what got him to where he is today and why USC fans loved him while he was around.

In all likelihood, the Bulls will be a play-in team at best this season, but anything can happen once you get into the dance. We've seen it before, and a motivated DeRozan will be fun to watch this year.

DeRozan has never been the best player in the league but has always given his all. The Bulls have their work cut out for them this season, and the odds are stacked against them. But DeRozan isn't going to back down from a fight. All of the Trojans fans support him, and that won't ever stop. 

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