Derrick Rose Biography

Birthdate: October 4, 1988
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

If you have never heard of hoops star Derrick Rose you will very soon! Kidzworld takes an inside look at the University of Memphis super freshman!

Growing Up

Derrick Rose was brought up on the tough streets of Chicago's South Side. He grew into a basketball star at nearby Simeon High School. He was an All-State guard his junior and senior years of high school. Ranked in the top five by almost every recruiting service out there, Derrick was a first team All-American by Parade and USA Today among others. His senior year, Derrick averaged 25.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 3.4 steals in Chicago's ultra-competitive public league. Derrick was also chosen to play in the pretigious McDonald's All American Game in 2007.

Memphis

Derrick came into the University of Memphis with a lot of hype, but he didn't disappoint. The versatile guard averaged 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game his freshman year, and helped lead the Tigers to an amazing 33-1 record and a number two ranking in the country. If Derrick chooses to declare himself for the NBA Draft in 2008, he will likely be a top three pick.

One of a Kind

Derrick is one of those players that comes around once every decade or so. The 6'3" guard already has an NBA built and has the rare combination of size and speed. He has incredible court vision and point guard skills like Jason Kidd, but can also score in a variety of ways like Dwyane Wade. He also has freakish athleticism, he can dunk in a variety of ways. Coming from Chicago, he is very tough, competitive and confident. Off the court, he is known to be quiet, polite and friendly. He does not do a whole lot of media.

Did U Know?

Derrick Rose is 6'3" tall and weighs 200 pounds.

Derrick Rose says his hardest class in college is math.

Derrick Rose's nickname is Pooh. His grandmother gave him that name, because Derrick was chubby as a baby.

Derrick Rose played his AAU ball with the Mean Street Express.

Derrick Rose wears the number 23 on his uniform at Memphis.

Derrick Rose wore the number 25 on his jersey in high school to honor former Simeon standout Ben Wilson - who was killed in a shooting in 1984 and who's number was 25.

Derrick Says...

" I don't really care about anything but victory. I don't care about stats or none of that. I just hope that we play well and get a victory."

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