In his third NBA season, former University of Florida star Joakim Noah is coming into his own.

Noah has an more-than-unusual jumpshot, is somewhat awkward and unpolished on the offensive end; the 6-11 Noah won’t be averaging 20 points per game that’s for sure.

However, what you do get with Noah, much like Anderson Varejão, is effort, energy, emotional lift on both ends of the court, and some crazy hair.

After spending some time with the French National Team this summer, Noah returned stateside to work on his game and it’s showing early dividends.

Already seven games into the 2009-10 NBA season, the 24 year old has set career-highs in points (21), field goals made (10), field goals attempted (12, twice), defensive rebounds (15), and total rebounds (21).

Early on, the forward-center born to French Tennis star Yannick Noah, is averaging career-highs of 11.4 points on 58.6% from the field, 12.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 2.1 assists in 32 minutes per game for the 4-3 Chicago Bulls while leading the team in rebounding, blocked shots, field goal accuracy.

Noah is also seventh overall in rebounding and in blocks. Besides all that, Joakim Noah is a huge asset to the Chicago Bulls and it looks as he’ll be a force to be reckoned with for seasons to come.