I attended the Sixers vs. Bulls game on Tuesday night at the United Center. I was down on the floor during pre-game shoot around and had the opportunity to speak with Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls young phenom point guard. Derrick had appeared at our Chicago Bulls Players Camp at the Chicago Bulls Training Academy this summer 2008. It was his first appearance and he did a great job. We look forward to having him appear at our players camp in summer 2009 as well.

I spoke with Derrick about his first season and the last game the played on their road trip against the Sixers in Philly. Derrick had an outstanding block on a fastbreak layup attempt by Sixers Andre Miller and a wicked cross over in which he almost broke Miller's ankles! I was all over EPSN the next day. Derrick's response was: "I was just playing basketball" and he smiled respectfully.

My first encounter with Derrick Rose was when he was a 7th grader playing at Lindblom Park on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood neighborhood. I knew he was a "special" basketball player that day. He was playing with grown men and holding his own. He never said a word to anyone in a disresptectful manner during the games. I followed his high school career at Simeon and his former assistant coach, James Farr, current assistant men's basketball coach at Chicago State University and my childhood friend raved about Derrick's basketball skills. Coach Farr raved more about Derrick's attitude and what an outstanding person he was as well. They won two state championships during Derrick's high school career at Simeon. He proved to be one of the best high school players in the country. I was privilaged to watch Derrick and Eric Gordon (Indiana University, L.A. Clippers) team up for a National AAU tournament in Las Vegas. They played against O.J. Mayo (USC, Memphis Grizzlies) and Bill Walker (Kansas St. University, Boston Celtics) in one of the best high school games I have ever seen in person. Derrick's team won the batlle and he was under control before, during and after the game.

Derrick moved on to college and played at University of Memphis. Rod Strickland, former NBA point guard is on the staff at Memphis. Rod's comment about Derrick was: "He can be one of point guards to ever play the game. He has a tremendous upside skill wise but his attitude will be the key to his success." Derrick played in the NCAA championship game against Kansas and Memphis lost. Derrick played competed and played hard but never lost his composure. Even in a defeat he was a gentleman.

Derrick Rose is the example of what an young basketball player should be. His attitude is the same when he makes a spectacular play, wins a game or makes a mistake and loses a game. As a player, you should always play the game with emotion and intensity. It is important to be humble and act you have been there before. Your attitude will determine your altitude!