Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose is a lock to make the final roster of Team USA based on coach Mike Krzyzewski's praises on the returning point guard.
Krzyzewski, who recently cut three players in the 20-man pool, told ESPN Chicago that Rose was "sensational" in the recently-concluded USA Basketball minicamp in Las Vegas.
"Derrick was sensational the whole week," Krzyzewski said. "He really did that every day, how fast and strong and decisive he was. He really created an air of excitement for the team because we all were anxious to see who he was right now. And who he is is very, very good. We're ecstatic about it and so happy for him."
Rose, who has missed all but 10 games over the past two NBA seasons after sustaining two major knee injuries, turned heads in the five-day camp, and Krzyzewski said that the former Most Valuable Player played like a man on a mission to prove a thing - that he is back to being elite.
"I think he's exceptional in every way. He went right at it. The first defensive exchange in the camp, he was all over the ball handler, moving his feet, attacking him," Krzyzewski said. "There was a buzz right away because it was basically his saying, 'Look, I'm not just back. I'm back at a level that's elite.'"
Rose missed the entire 2012-13 NBA season after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee during their 2012 NBA Playoffs opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The former Memphis standout returned to action last season, but absorbed another blow as he tore a meniscus in his right knee just in his 10th game coming of an ACL injury.
Bulls head coach and Team USA assistant coach Tom Thibodeau is hoping that Rose, who averaged 15.9 points and 4.3 assists, will regain full confidence after his impending stint in the upcoming 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
"The summer league practices were very good for him, but the talent level is not at an NBA level," Thibodeau said. "The way he looks right now, his body is strong, he's feeling great. It's been two years now since he's had the ACL injury, and I think he feels good about where he is physically, and mentally he's doing very well."
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