The Chicago Tribune reported Mike Krzyzewski had at least two lengthy conversations with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau during a recent trip to Chicago and walked away more convinced than ever that the youngest MVP in NBA history soon be performing at the level he was at before a pair of season-ending knee injuries derailed his momentum.
"Tom told me first how hard he's working and the speed he's working at," Krzyzewski told The Tribune. "When you're coming back from an injury, you have to prepare to play -- run, shoot, push the ball. Derrick wants to be special. And he has been. This has been a difficult time for him but he's handled it well. We're hoping this summer can be a springboard for him."
Derrick Rose to play for Team USA?
The 25-year-old Rose is slated to compete for a spot on the Team USA squad that will play in the FIBA World Cup next month in Las Vegas. While Krzyzewski wouldn't go as far as to assure Rose is a shoo-in for the team, the legendary Duke coach is clearly one of his biggest supporters.
Bulls finding strength in Derrick Rose?
"I haven't seen him play," Krzyzewski said of the starting point guard he won a World Championship title with in 2010. "If he's up to par physically, it's a matter of how he interacts 5-on-5. We're anxious to see him play. He was a key player for us in Instanbul. He's so unselfish and will do anything to help the team."
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