Chicago Bulls Notes, Quotes 2009-09-09 News Chicago Bulls

--It's been 25 years since the Bulls drafted Michael Jordan with the No. 3 pick of the 1984 draft. He's been destined for the Hall of Fame since the first days of his pro career and he'll complete the journey during induction ceremonies Sept. 10-12 in Springfield, Mass. "Watching Michael play was like watching Babe Ruth play," Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said. "A couple guys have hit more home runs, but there's never been another Babe Ruth. Ruth was by far the greatest player of his era. The separation between Michael and the next best player was enormous. He was a major part of people's lives."

--The Bulls are expected to open training camp earlier than usual this year because they'll travel overseas for an Oct. 6 preseason game against the Utah Jazz at London's O2 Arena. Their first preseason contest is set for Oct. 2 at Indiana. After returning from England, they'll face the Milwaukee Bucks at Green Bay on Oct. 10, then make their United Center debut three days later for a rematch with the Bucks. The remainder of preseason includes home games against Minnesota, Orlando and Washington, along with a road game against the Timberwolves. The Bulls open the regular season at home on Oct. 29 against San Antonio.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't think anybody will ever really touch what Michael has done for the game. (Kobe Bryant or LeBron James) may be able to break a record he had or maybe win more championships... But Michael's image as a player will always stand and his greatness will never be superseded." -- Former Bulls coach Phil Jackson, on Michael Jordan, who will be inducted in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame during the weekend of Sept. 10-12.