Taj Gibson played college basketball for the University of Southern California (2006–2009), where he finished his career ranked first in school history in shots blocked (253) and second in total rebounding (896). He was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, and was subsequently named to the 2009-10 NBA All-Rookie First Team after topping all rookies in rebounds per game, field goal percentage, and double-doubles and finishing second in blocks per game. He currently sits in fifth place on the Bull’s all-time total blocks list with 695.