Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose already announced his return for the regular season, following a year long absence from NBA basketball. The all-star point guard could even join Team USA in next year’s Basketball World Cup, according to USA TODAY Sports.
Rose is currently not at Team USA’s day camp in Las Vegas. However, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo explained that despite the point guard’s extended time off, he is still in USA Basketball’s good graces.
"He's on the way back. It's something we just have to wait and see how he progresses," said Colangelo. "First of all, he qualifies in a lot of ways. He knows our system. He's been part of USA Basketball. He's a terrific guy. He's a great competitor.”
Colangelo added there is still some examination to be done.
"Now we have to wait and see what he looks like,” said the chairman. “How quickly does he get back to that level, and then it's going to be up to him as to whether he wants to be with us next summer."
Rose played with the team when they won the Gold Medal in 2010. Following that summer, he would win the NBA MVP award for the 2010-2011 season. The award was an accomplishment Colangelo was proud of since he believes playing in the international game breads success.
The day camp, which spans over the course of four days, includes some of the best young point guards in the game—Kyrie Irving, Mike Conley, Ty Lawson, Damian Lillard, Kemba Walker, and John Wall.
George Hill was invited to attend, but could not due to a prior engagement.
In response to his absence he tweeted, “Everything is fine just couldn't give up on the kids and cancel my kids camp to make it to USA Trials! Wouldn't felt right."
