Derrick Rose Injury Return Update: Mike Krzyzewski Says Rose Proving He’s Back to Being ‘Elite’
Derrick Rose made it into the final 16 of the USA men's basketball squad, and the Chicago Bulls superstar is expected to make final roster as coach Mike Krzyzewski continues to rave about the returning guard.
In an interview with ESPN Chicago, Krzyzewski said that Rose has been showing a lot of positives during USA Basketball's five-day minicamp in Las Vegas.
Rose has only played in 10 games over the past two seasons due to an ACL injury in his left knee and a torn meniscus in his right knee, but Krzyzewski said that the former Most Valuable Player has been showing that he is back to being one of the elite players in the world.
"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," Krzyzewski said. "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.'"
From the first day of the camp, Rose has been turning heads with his exceptional performances, and Krzyzewski pointed out that the 25-year old point guard is playing like he did before sustaining an ACL injury in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.
"Derrick was sensational the whole week," Krzyzewski said. "He really did that every day, how fast and strong and decisive he was. He really created an air of excitement for the team because we all were anxious to see who he was right now. And who he is is very, very good. We're ecstatic about it and so happy for him."
Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, who is also one of Team USA's assistant coaches, couldn't be happier for Rose, and he is hoping that the former Memphis standout's possible stint in the 2014 FIBA World Cup will help him continue to regain his confidence for Chicago's campaign next season.
"The way he looks right now, his body is strong, he's feeling great," Thibodeau said. "It's been two years now since he's had the ACL injury, and I think he feels good about where he is physically, and mentally he's doing very well."
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