Aug. 16 – Ben Gordon’s athletic career has been one big dream. He won championships in high school and on the college level last spring at the University of Connecticut.

Now, the third overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft will try to help the rebuilding Bulls return to glory. Will it be a tough task? No doubt. But Gordon says he is ready for the challenge. The guard talked to NBA.com about what he has been up to and the numerous offseason transactions around the league.

How excited were you to play in the Jim Calhoun Celebrity All-Star Game in Connecticut with all of the former Huskies standouts, including Richard Hamilton, Caron Butler and Khalid El-Amin?

Ben Gordon: “It felt really good. I got to play with a lot of the older guys and I got to see a lot of the other players that I’m familiar with. It was fun.”

The purpose of the game was to raise money for cardiology research at the UConn Health Center. How important is it for you to be lending a hand to the Jim and Pat Calhoun Cardiology Research Endowment Fund?

Gordon: “It’s a good experience. This is something coach does every year and I’m glad to be a part of it. This is great for the fans and it’s a treat to see all of the UConn players on the court together again for a very good cause.”

Are you involved with any other charities?

Gordon: “This is my first charity event, but I have a couple of other things lined up.”

As a professional athlete, do you feel like it is your responsibility to be part of community-related activities?

Gordon: “You have to do these things because you want to. It’s always nice to help out when you can. I’m going to do these things because I have a good heart.”

Are you surprised that you and Emeka Okafor were able to lead the Huskies to the national title last year?

Gordon: “I wasn’t surprised at all. I knew we had the talent to win it all and we went out there and lived up to our expectations.”

Along with other UConn alums, Gordon participated in the Jim Calhoun Celebrity Classic. Jennifer Pottheiser NBAE/Getty Images

You averaged more than 13 points per game in the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league. How would you evaluate your play?

Gordon: “We had the best record and I think I did well. It was a great experience. The pro game is a lot faster than college. Besides the difference in the shot clock, the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is to the speed of the game and how smart everyone is.”

Did you think you would hear your name called so early at the NBA Draft?

Gordon: “I was aiming to be a lottery pick. That was a big goal of mine. I always wanted to be a top five pick and it worked out.”

Do you think the U.S. Olympic team will win the gold medal?

Gordon: “I don’t know. I wish them all the best. We don’t have all of our best players there. Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett and some of the other great players aren’t there. If they can win, it would be great.”

You mention Shaq, what does his addition to the Miami Heat do to the Eastern Conference?

Gordon: “They made the playoffs last year without a dominant center so now with Shaq, they will go a lot further. Expectations for them are higher this season.”

Do you think the Nets can still challenge for the Eastern Conference crown after trading away Kerry Kittles and Kenyon Martin?

Gordon: “They are still going to be good. As long as Jason Kidd is there they are going to be contenders.”

What are your individual goals for this season?

Gordon: “As a first-year player, obviously I’m going to try and win Rookie of the Year. I want to have an impact and help us win as many games as possible.”

Jamal Crawford has been traded, and you, Luol Deng and Chris Duhon were each drafted to name just a few of Chicago's offseason maneuvers. How do you think this season is going to play out?

Gordon: “We’ll be a lot better this year. With Luol and myself and all of the trades, we’re definitely headed in the right direction. This is a long process but we’re making the right moves.”