Derrick Rose

Derrick Martell Rose was born on October 4,1988. He was raised in the Eaglewood area, one of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods. He was Brenda Rose's fourth son. He went to Simeon Career Academy High School and led the team to two state championships, then was rated the number one point guard prospect. He chose to play for the Memphis Tigers in college and reached the National Championship game. In 2008 he was selected as the overall #1 pick to the Chicago Bulls.

Derrick Rose at Simeon ( (http://www.hoopstradamus.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/drose-high-school.jpg))

When Derrick enrolled at Simeon Career academy, Collegiate coaches were already interested in him. But despite his reputation, Derrick started on the JV team. People believe this is because it was a tradition of his coach, Bob Hambric. In Rose's Sophmore year, Bob Hambric retired and new coach Robert Smith was hired. Robert Smith opened the door of varsity to Derrick. That season the team had a 30-5 record. In Derrick's Junior year, he won the Chicago public league championship at the United Center. Entering his senior year, he was ranked the #5 prospect in the country. In his senior year, Simeon traveled to Madison Square Garden to play Rice High School and star guard Kemba Walker.  They lost 53-51, but the game was nationally televised. Derrick Rose's overall record was with Simeon 120-12. He also had his number retired with Ben Wilson.

Rose while playing at Memphis ( (http://flickr.com/photos/beaub/2835443058))

Derrick Rose accepted a scholarship to play for the Memphis Tigers. He was offered several other scholarships but chose to play for John Calipari because of the school's history for putting players in the NBA. Memphis had a great start to the season capturing the #1 spot with a 26-0 record. Then later that season Memphis entered the March Madness Tournament. They dominated their games and took home the trophy in the national tournament game. Shortly after on April 15, Rose entered the 2008 NBA draft.

Derrick Rose at the 09-10 All-Star Game (www.flickr.com/photos/audiovisualjunkie/ () ())

In 2008, Derrick Rose was selected overall #1 pick to the Chicago Bulls. Rose started strong and ended the regular season with a record of 12-4. He won the Rookie of the Year award.  He was only the second person on the Chicago Bulls to win the award behind Michael Jordan. In Rose's second season he sprained his ankle, but it healed. Towards the end of the season Rose excelled and he made the Eastern conference All-Star game. In the 2010-2011 season Rose led the Bulls to 62 wins and became only the third player in the past 30 years to record 2,000 points and 600 assists in a single season. Then on May 3, 2011 Derrick Rose won the Most Valuable Player award.

Derrick Rose has inspired me to work harder and get better at basketball. I love the way he plays and the work ethic he has. He has convinced me that basketball is the best sport there is. I also have learned to get better you have to work hard and practice. He has impacted me by making me better at the thing I love, basketball.