Memphis Smelling Like A Rose
Prospect Derrick Rose will sign with Tigers
Nov. 4, 2006
By Van Coleman
CSTV.com & Hoopmaster.com
John Calipari and his Memphis staff received some big-time news as our No. 5-rated prep Derrick Rose from Chicago Simeon made his college choice this evening and is headed to Memphis.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Rose made his college choice this evening at a school banquet and has announced he will sign with Memphis next Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Rose has been in an intense recruiting battle the past two months that got even more intriguing earlier this month when he added Illinois to Memphis and Indiana as one of his final three schools.
To make the intrigue persist to the last second before his decision, the announcement was an invitation only affair. Unfortunately, we didn't find anyone who was invited, including Chicago-area media, who had covered Rose throughout his career, and had recently written glowing stories on the budding Windy City superstar. But, the Sun-Times did have someone on the inside, and they received the word on Rose's decision.
Rose had an excellent junior season at Chicago Simeon last winter, averaging nearly a triple-double, putting up 18 points, pulling down eight boards and handing out eight assists as he led his Simeon squad to the Illinois Class AA state crown.
But, it was in Las Vegas this summer that he established his legacy with talent and pro scouts. He put all questions to rest whether he can bring it when faced with one of the nation's best. He was as impressive as anyone on the floor. The blur from Chicago, had a triple-double versus O.J. Mayo and Company, scoring 21 points, pulling down an amazing 14 boards and handing out 12 assists. He showed that he can break down pressure and cut through the press like a hot knife or make the spectacular alley-oop pass with the best. Truly, he brought his "A" game and established himself as one of best pure points in recent memory.
Rose looks to be a one year talent at Memphis, as he has the kind of game that leads to quick success in college and a high draft pick in the NBA Draft. And that was reportedly one of the main reasons that he chose Memphis. Calipari and his Tigers have had success with the one year player like Dajuan Wagner and Shawne Williams. Also, Calipari has strong NBA ties and believes that having talent with the ability to make that transition is a real bonus to his program.
Rose's commitment to Memphis has moved the Tigers up to the No. 10/11 spot in our fall recruiting rankings, and that ranking will be reflected in our next update on Friday, Nov. 10.
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