Deng finally named an All-Star

--After eight years in the league and a few close calls, forward Luol Deng received the news that he's been selected to his first All-Star Game. Deng was chosen as an East reserve by vote of the conference coaches.

"I don't really have the words for it, except the fact that I'm really happy," Deng said. "I just want to go around and thank all my teammates because, I believe by the way we're playing and the record we have, that's why I'm getting the opportunity."

Deng becomes the 14th different Bulls player to be selected for the All-Star Game.

"I don't know what you're supposed to do. I don't know how it goes," Deng said. "That's the honest truth. I really don't know. We'll find out the schedule. Am I supposed to play (defense)? I don't know. We'll just see how it goes."

--Guard Derrick Rose was happy to get some company on the Eastern Conference All-Star squad. Rose was voted a starter for the second straight year and found out Thursday that forward Luol Deng will be a teammate at the Feb. 26 All-Star Game in Orlando.

"I'm super happy for him," Rose said. "I told you I knew he was going to make it. I was telling him that and he didn't believe me, but with the way he's been playing this year, he's been consistent for us. He's one of the leaders on the team. He's been doing a great job with that."

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Don't get me wrong, it's an honor and it's a great accomplishment, but there were years in the past where I felt like I played like an All-Star." -- Forward Luol Deng, reacting to news that he'd been selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the first time in eight NBA seasons.

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