The Bulls selected Kirk Hinrich, a 6-3 guard out of Kansas, with the seventh overall pick in NBA Draft 2003. Hinrich, an AP Third Team All-American selection, averaged 17.3 ppg as a senior, shooting 40.6 percent from three-point range. Just after he was picked, Hinrich dialed into the Berto Center for a teleconference call and below is what he had to say:

On his workout with the Bulls:

”Well, when I was there in Chicago, it was kind of a strange workout. I was there with Jarvis Hayes, Josh Howard and Britton Johnsen and normally you workout with players who are more your same position. I thought it went all right, but even when I was there, I really didn’t think there was a possibility that Chicago would draft me. But, a lot of stuff has happened and I’m happy to be in Chicago.”

On his knowledge of Jamal Crawford and other Bulls players:

“I’ve seen them play a lot and I like the team. They’ve got a good mix of young guys and veterans and I think they are on the rise. Jamal Crawford and I were in the same high school class and he’s a great player.”

On his contact with Bulls EVP - Basketball Operations John Paxson since the selection:

“I haven’t had any. I had a chance to talk to him when I was there to workout for them, but I haven’t had any contact with him [yet tonight].”

On shooting at the United Center:

“I think it’s definitely something I can get used to. I’ve played there a few times and I’m not worried about anything like that. That’s going to take care of itself. The atmosphere there and the basketball fans in Chicago are great as far as I know and can see. I’m just really excited to be going there. It’s all happening so fast; I really haven’t had time to think about it yet.”

Is it strange to step in when the Bulls may not have drafted you with a healthy Jay Williams?

“Yeah, it is. But, things change. I feel really bad for Jay and I hope he can overcome that and step back out on the court. I’m just happy to be going to Chicago, especially when the likelihood of it a week ago wasn’t so good.”

Is your game suited to play in both backcourt positions in the league?

“I think so. I am a point guard and I feel like that is my position. But I feel that I have the versatility to slide over if needed.”

On his own game:

“I’m a big competitor and I’m always working hard. I think I’m a complete player. I’ve tried to mold my game to the point where I don’t have any weaknesses and I’m an all-around player.”

On Wade being taken before the seventh pick:

“I think that with the stuff that has happened, a lot has changed. I don’t know; I thought I had a shot of being selected by Miami, Chicago or Milwaukee. Then I heard some strong rumors that Chicago was going to take me, so when they came up, I was just hoping that they did.”

On being compared to John Paxson as a player:

“He was a great player. I don’t know how similar our games are, but he was great. So it’s an honor to be compared to a guy like that.”