MANILA, Philippines – Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose has expressed interest in joining Team USA in the 2014 FIBA World cup.
Asked if he is interested in joining the team for next year's quadrennial event, 2011 NBA MVP hoped he would be selected by Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski.
"I hope they pick me. Yes, I will be honored to be on that team with the other young guys. To play under coach K is an honor," said the 24-year old Rose during Monday’s press conference for his D Rose World Tour.
NBA stars Kevin Durant and Kevin Love have already offered their services for Team USA, which will compete in the event slated Spain next year.
"I just want to play the basketball already. I've been out of tune for a long time so any chance to play basketball, I'm taking it," said Rose when probed on which players he wanted for the team.
Rose has already donned a Team USA jersey in the 2010 FIBA World Cup as the starting point guard, leading them to a gold medal finish after beating host nation Turkey in the finals.
Gilas Pilipinas qualified for the prestigious basketball conclave after finishing second in the 2013 FIBA Asia qualifiers, and Rose had some advice for the Philippine team.
"They just need to be calm and I think it's going to drive them. I wish them nothing but the best but in the sport of basketball, we need to prepare hard because you don't want to get embarrassed," said Rose.
"I think they know all of you are watching and the whole world is watching so I'm sure they will be playing hard," he added.
In 2011, Rose along with Kobe Bryant, Durant, Chris Paul and other NBA stars played in an exhibition game against the first iteration of Gilas Pilipinas squad.