Derrick Rose News: Team USA Coach Says D-Rose Back To 'Elite' Level, Expected To Be A Lock In Final 12 To Compete In FIBA In Spain
The latest Derrick Rose news will certainly excite Bulls fans all over the world.
According to a report by Nick Friedell of ESPN, D-Rose continue to impress everyone at the Team USA training camp where currently there are 18 finalists but only 12 spots to fill for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Spain.
In an interview with Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski, Rose has been playing at an elite level over the past few weeks of training.
"It takes an exceptional person, which is why we're talking about Derrick," the coach said explaining Rose's ACL injury a couple of NBA seasons back.
"I think he's exceptional in every way. He went right at it. The first defensive exchange in the camp, he was all over the ball handler, moving his feet, attacking him. There was a buzz right away because it was basically his saying, 'Look, I'm not just back. I'm back at a level that's elite.'"
In previous reports by Bleacher Report, Rose has reportedly been engaging in full-contact five-on-five skirmishes by the time Chicago was in the first round of the playoffs. And it looks like those early practices and trainings have paid off.
The former MVP still shows glimpses of his insane athleticism and explosiveness, though he has somewhat controlled those instincts.
In addition, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau who is an assistant to Team USA, explained how important it is for Rose to adjust in a real NBA-caliber level of play, especially up against the league's elite.
The Chicago Bulls are expecting their 25-year-old superstar to indeed make a return to Windy City, and not just play 10 games, but hopefully bring the Bulls back to the Eastern Conference Finals, where it could face some favorites such as the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And in his return, he won't need to carry all the workload anymore when it comes to offense as he will get plenty of help from the Bulls' new acquisitions which include shooting sensation Doug McDermott, Euro-star Nikola Mirotic, and premier big man Pau Gasol.