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The last time I touched soil in the UK was back in 1986 when the Bears played the Cowboys at a sold out Wembley Stadium.

The Bulls left Chicago approximately 6PM Saturday night and arrived here around 6:15 Sunday morning. London is six hours ahead of our great city (take that IOC!). I am wired to say the least but I just returned from practice at O2 Arena and wanted to share a few things before I grab some sleep. After all, the last time I pulled an all nighter I walked the dorm rooms of Ohio University as a college kid and those days are long gone.

The players are excited to be here. Honest. It’s a business trip with a pre-season game scheduled Tuesday against Utah with the players developing a close bond. As one veteran player told me just hours ago, he likes the comradery amongst the players and they genuinely like playing with each other. It’s more than just standard pre season talk. I’ve seen the majority of practices and I like the pace, flow and attention to detail. Will there be a few bumps down the road? Absolutely but I am encouraged by what I’m seeing.

Luol Deng is popular for good reason since he lived here for several years. Joakim Noah is 14th in NBA jersey sales in Europe. Derrick Rose is a star and fans here in London recognize him. Rose sat out Sunday’s practice with a sore achilles, not believed to be serious. Rose turned 21 on Sunday and was serenaded to a roaring rendition of “Happy BIrthday” by the Bulls two rookies James Johnson and Taj Gibson.

Tyrus Thomas suffered a concussion in Friday’s exhibition opener against Indiana and did not participate in the workout.

I look forward to communicating with you here in London and throughout the week. Any questions just e-mail me at cswirsky@bulls.com

I am returning to Bulls.com (and here on the Bulls Blog) on a full time basis and am accessible 24-7 with all of our great Bulls/NBA fans throughout the Internet. I do believe in social networking and do believe in being accessible with our faithful readers on Bulls.com. Follow me on twitter at @swirsk054.

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Quick hits. Came away VERY impressed with Taj Gibson’s 19-9 game Friday in Indiana.

Derrick Rose has worked on his jumper. You can see it. Better extension, release point and follow through delivery.

Hope you listened to my one on one interview with John Paxson. He has NOT retired nor has he lost his love of the Bulls or the game itself.

If you think I’m a Blackberry junkie GM Gar Forman easily tops me. He works around the clock networking with other NBA people and is doing a great job working with the front office staff members along with VDN and his staff as well.

Is it true Raymond Felton rejected a multi year deal for 7 million per? Mr. Felton, we need to have a talk!

Chris Bosh tells the Toronto Star his favorite road city in the NBA is New York. Not good news for 29 other NBA clubs that may consider getting in a bidding way for the multi All Star

Nene says he’ll retire in seven years. Wow, already planning calling it quits with the clock running rather slowly don”t you think?

OK, got to go. Even a DR. Pepper can’t keep me up. We’ll communicate soon.

Always a pleasure. cswirsky@bulls.com