3. Ryan Arcidiacono
Friday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.
Usually when the other team is introduced before a game at the Center, the more boisterous fans shout: ‘You suck!’ when each player is announced.
However, when the Bulls came to town last year and Matt Cord said the words “Ryan Arcidiacono” only the ones who had not heard it clearly or simply on reflex actually shouted the epithet. Most quickly realized who it was and said nothing, while some fans applauded.
In Philadelphia, Arcidiacono does not get boo’d..
A product of Neshaminy High School and VIllanova University, Arcidiacono was one of the heroes of the Wildcats last-second win over North Carolina to win the 2016 NCAA championship, much to former Sixers great Charles Barkley’s delight.
Unlike many of his teammates on that team, a path to the NBA was not a given for the 6-foot-3 guard. Being a scrappy, heady guard with a great attitude is not valued as much in the NBA as high school and college.
But working his way from summer league to G-League to benchwarmer to key contributor off the bench, Arcidiacono has steadily risen up within the Chicago Bulls organization. In the offseason, he signed a three-year, $9 million contract (third-year team option) with the Bulls. That will buy a lot of merchandise at the Neshaminy Mall.
Arcidiacono is not only a local guy but he plays like a Philly guy. He uses high basketball I.Q. over jumping ability, teamwork over individual accomplishments and never, ever, stops hustling on the floor.
He is just the player Sixers fans love to root for, and he is one of us.
When Arcidiacono arrives with the Bulls, he will receive: Loud cheers.