Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose is again playing at an MVP level, according Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski. After missing almost two full seasons, Rose appears poised from a comeback season.
A torn ACL and a torn meniscus sidelined Rose for most of the last two seasons, leading some critics to question whether he would ever again play at an elite level. Based on what Krzyzewski has seen during Team USA's training camp, however, Rose is ready to give an answer.
"Derrick was sensational the whole week," Krzyzewski said, via ESPN. "He really did that every day, how fast and strong and decisive he was. He really created an air of excitement for the team because we all were anxious to see who he was right now. And who he is is very, very good. We're ecstatic about it and so happy for him."
Krzyzewski also added how impressed he is with the way Rose has bounced back from two serious knee injuries.
"It takes an exceptional person, which is why we're talking about Derrick," the Duke coach said. "I think he's exceptional in every way. He went right at it (at training camp). The first defensive exchange in the camp, he was all over the ball handler, moving his feet, attacking him. There was a buzz right away because it was basically his saying, 'Look, I'm not just back. I'm back at a level that's elite.'"
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, who's an assistant coach to Krzyzewski, told reporters he believes the training camp regimen, which carefully paces the players through the practices, helped Rose transition back into playing against elite talent.
"The way he looks right now, his body is strong, he's feeling great," Thibodeau said. "It has been two years now since he's had the ACL injury, and I think he feels good about where he is physically, and mentally he's doing very well."
