NBA Player Profile – Derrick Rose
Name: Derrick Rose
Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: Point Guard
NBA Statistics: 19.8 (points), 5.9 (assists), 3.7 (rebounds)
Background: The first Bull since the legendary Michael Jordan to be selected as an All-star, this second-year point guard is destined for greatness. Derrick Rose was drafted as the Number One overall pick of the 2008-2009 draft by his hometown team the Chicago Bulls and in said season led a very inexperienced team to the play-offs.
He was a victim of an alleged college scandal as a student at the University of Memphis with inconclusive information pertaining to his SAT scores. He was unfazed by the scandal as he led his team to a NCAA record of most wins in a season (38) which is among his many achievements.
Rose had an impressive rookie season; becoming the first rookie since ‘MJ’ to score at least 10 points in his first 10 games as well as becoming the first rookie to win the Skills Challenge during the All-Star weekend. He also led his team in arguably the most competitive play-off series ever, eventually losing to the Boston Celtics 4-3.
During the series he averaged 19.7 points, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds, became the second player to record 36 points in a playoff debut and combined with his10 assists made him the second player next to Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets to record that number of points and assists. All these exploits allowed him to claim the Rookie of the Year award.
His impressive displays this season has reaped great rewards as he was selected as a reserve guard for the Eastern Conference All-Star squad.