Last season, the 6-foot-10, 275-pound Felicio played for C.R. Flamengo of Novo Basquete Brasil. He last made headlines in the U.S. when he was on the verge of attending Oregon in the summer of 2013. But those plans ended when a report emerged that he signed a professional contract in Brazil while still in high school. He and the school couldn't prove that didn't happen, so he's remained in his homeland ever since.
It's possible Felicio, if he makes the roster, could be extra insurance for Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson. If Portis wasn't enough, Felicio hopefully is. We don't know a whole lot about what he can do, but Gar Forman is eager to give him a chance. Even if he doesn't make the final roster, it's a very low-risk signing.
It wouldn't be fair to compare him to other Bulls undrafted international signings (Andres Nocioni, Kornel David, etc.) because those all happened years ago. If he stands out in the Summer League and later, the preseason, such comparisons won't be needed. Now is his chance to leave a good impressioin on Fred Hoiberg before the head coach leaves Las Vegas. Best of luck to an unknown trying to pounce on making the big time.
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