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Bulls Tue Sep 09 2014
Derrick Rose and Team USA Looking to Improve
If you've been following the FIBA World Cup, Team USA has beaten every opponent by double digits but haven't really played to their full potential. One player in particular fitting that description is Derrick Rose. Of course, Rose isn't really needed to play huge minutes and be the leading scorer, but we all can see the signs of rust the Bulls point guard has shown after missing all of the 2012-2013 season and majority of the 2013-2014 season with knee injuries.
In Team USA's victory over Mexico, Rose went scoreless for the first time in the FIBA World Cup shooting 0-for-5 from the field with three turnovers in 15 minutes of action. Shooting just 21.6 percent from the field through Team USA's first six games, should this be cause for concern or just going through the motions of shaking the cobwebs off? Well not to worry Bulls fans, the big picture is Rose getting valuable time back on the court in a competitive atmosphere. Everyone knew Rose would have times when he's not explosive and can't finish at the rim, but that all will come in time. By the time Bulls training camp comes around, Rose should already be in good basketball shape and having his timing almost all the way back.
On this USA team, we're see Rose as a pass first, defensive-minded player. With a bunch of offensive weapons, an onslaught of scoring from Rose isn't needed, but Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski wants to see Rose "go off."
"Everybody is getting mad because I'm not shooting the ball more," Rose said. That's strange. I'm not gonna change my game just because people want me to shoot more. I'm gonna do exactly what the game tells me to do. This is my role on this team. With the Bulls, of course I'm going to get up 20, 25 shots. [This role is] not going to change anything."
As Team USA looks ahead to their quarterfinal matchup against Slovenia, they know the importance of starting to play their best basketball and even Rose has said he will have a break out shooting game. They will need everyone playing at a high level as the medal rounds approach. That's if USA beats Slovenia, of course.
You can catch Rose and Team USA in action today vs Slovenia on ESPN at 2 p.m. Central.