Selected first overall by the Chicago Bulls back in the summer of 2008, Derrick Rose has rapidly established himself as one of the league’s most elite talents. In fact, on May 3rd, 2011, Rose became the youngest player (22) in NBA history to win the most valuable player award. His timely arrival breathed life back into a disheartened Chicago franchise, which missed the playoffs in 2007, ending the season 33-49.
The future hometown hero was born on Oct. 4, 1988 in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side. The fourth and final son of Brenda Rose, Derrick grew up around basketball, as his older brothers were all accomplished athletes. Over the course of his high school career he led Simeon Career Academy to two state titles, practically demanding the attention of NCAA recruiters. Following high school, Rose went on to play for The Tigers at Memphis University where he posted 14.9 points per game in his first and only season with the team. Come 2008, after only one year with The Tigers, Rose declared his entrance into the NBA draft, and was snatched up first overall by the team he had watched on television growing up as a kid in the windy city.
The young prodigy made his presence felt on the hardwood immediately, as he became the first player since Michael Jordan to score 10 points in each of his first 10 games in the league. His inaugural campaign resulted in NBA Rookie of the year honors, sold out Chicago crowds, and a much-anticipated trip to the post season.
In his second season, Rose transcended the proverbial sophomore slump with a trip back to post-season, before being crowned Most Valuable Player (only the third Bulls player to do so) in 2011. Following his outstanding MVP season, lingering injuries crept in, causing him to miss the second half of the 2011-12 season and all of 2011-2013. Nonetheless, Bulls fans saw their beloved point guard return to the lineup for the start of this season, ending his first game with 13 points in an 82-76 win over the Pacers.
Joshua Shapiro is a third-year student majoring in English and education. He can be reached at JS762110@wcupa.edu.
Mon. Apr 29th, 2024
