This Rose ready to rise again

MANILA, Philippines - Unlike the other NBA superstars that came before him, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls had all the time to face all kinds of questions from the Philippine media.

He was most gracious.

Rose, who won the MVP title in 2011 and at 22 became the youngest NBA player to do so, was in the country for a three-day visit, and made the most out of it.

He spent some time at Club Haze at The Fort the night he arrived and on Sunday morning he faced a long line of press people for one-on-ones at the Marriott Hotel.

Then in the afternoon he was at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to be with the country’s finest 3-on-3 players and had a short scrimmage with some Filipino players.

Yesterday, he graced another press conference at Marriott, and again fielded lots of questions from the media. He took pictures with them and gladly signed autographs for those who asked.

He was asked about the best player out there in the NBA, and said, “If you’re asking who’s the best, I can only speak for myself and I think I’m the best point guard.”

Rose also said he’d play for the United States team in the 2014 World Championship if given the chance. 

“If they select me to be on the team, it will be an honor,” he said.

In 2011, Rose signed a five-year contract extension with the Bulls worth $94.8 million but later in the year during the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers he tore an ACL in his left knee.

He was out of action for 17 months but is now ready for the NBA season that unfolds in October. He worked hard during the rehabilitation and has declared himself fit as before.

The STAR was granted five minutes with the young NBA superstar. It felt longer than it really was.

Listen to him.

The STAR: How difficult was it coming back from the injury? Was it more mental than physical?

DR: I think it was more mental. I’ve been in this game for a very long time and the mental part is definitely part of the game. I think I’m reacting to the sport and the way I’m reacting makes me a better player.

TS: Was there any low point during the rehabilitation?

DR: I won’t say there was a low point. It was hard of course but at the same time I knew I was blessed that I was able to walk. It wasn’t really a drastic injury that would stop me from playing the game. I knew that if I had surgery I had the chance of coming back and still be a better player.

TS: Was it difficult to stay positive during the long period?

DR: I’m usually a positive guy so I really don’t need anyone to make me feel positive. I would always say to myself it could have been worse because it truly can.

TS: Is it that bad for the injury to come early in your career?

DR: I’m actually happy that it was early than late. When you think about it (it was better) while I’m younger because if it came late in my career I think I will be hurt more. It probably would have hurt me even more mentally. I’m feeling great now after a year so I think it was better that way.

TS: Will you ever be the same again? A lot of people will be hoping for that – the fans, your family, your teammates, yourself.

DR: I know I will. It’s just a matter of me catching the rhythm. Who knows it could be the first game or the fifth game. But I know that when I catch my rhythm I’m gonna play very well.

TS: Perhaps even better than before?

DR: I know I am.

TS: You’re friends with Floyd Mayweather Jr., right?

DR: Yes.

TS: He once threw a party for you when you won the MVP award and once put money ($41,000) on your game, right?

DR: Oh, yeah (laughs).

TS: Mayweather is fighting today (Sunday).

DR: Yeah but I didn’t get the chance to talk to him like that. But I’m wishing him the best. He’s probably the greatest fighter of our era and our generation that we ever saw. You got to take your hat off to him.

TS: You will be rooting for him. You’re putting your money on him?

DR: For sure, yes. But no, I’m not putting my money on that. I don’t gamble. I’m trying to save my money. (Mayweather defeated Canelo Alvarez at the MGM Grand – ed)

TS: You know Manny Pacquiao?

DR: I don’t know him like much but I have met him before. When we came to play a game over here (in 2011) he signed stuff for me and took a picture with me.

TS: Should Pacquiao ever fight Mayweather? Should they ever fight?

DR: In this sport I think if it’s gonna happen it’s gonna happen. I think people just wanted it too bad at that time. But you never know. I wish it would but at the same time it’s up to these two guys and how they feel about it.

(Lady holds up a sign saying time is up)

TS: Thank you very much, Derrick.

DR: Thank you, Sir.

And we shook hands.