It was 30 years ago when the Bulls had a chance to select a local high school basketball star in the NBA Draft. However, instead of taking former DuSable star Maurice Cheeks, they chose Reggie Theus. That decision caused several local hoop fans, including
Thursday, the Bulls have another chance to take a local phenom when they have the first pick in the draft. Fans are hoping they will decide to take one of the city’s very own in Derrick Rose, the former Simeon high school standout. “I hope the Bulls call my name,” Rose said during a press conference at the team’s Berto Center training facility in Deerfield. “Playing for my hometown team would be a dream come true for me.”
Prior to meeting with a horde of media outside the Berto Center, Rose worked out for Bulls coaches and officials. He said the workout consisted of dribbling and shooting drills and attacking the pick and roll. “I think I did all right,” Rose said. While many are expecting and hoping the Bulls take Rose with that first pick, the team is also considering selecting former Kansas State star Michael Beasley.
Beasley, a 6-7 forward, and Rose, a 6-3 guard, would give the Bulls something they need. Beasley would give the team an inside scoring threat while Rose would be counted on to take over an offense at the point guard spot. “ I would love to see the Bulls draft Rose,” said one local NBA scout. “However, Beasley would also be a great selection for them. “They wouldn’t be wrong with either of them.”
After leading Simeon to two straight Class AA state titles, Rose burst upon the national scene when he led Memphis to the NCAA championship game in March. Beasley put together a great season as a freshman at Kansas State becoming only the third freshman in NCAA history to lead the nation in rebounding at 12.4 a game and also averaging 26.2 points a game. He was the runner up to Tyler Hansborough as the national Player of the Year.
“I do whatever is needed for the team,” said Beasley, who also worked out for the Bulls at the Berto Center. “Sometimes, I rebound, sometimes I’m a scorer,and sometimes I’m a defensive player and sometimes I’m a cheerleader.” Rose said if the Bulls take him, the pressures and distractions of playing in his hometown wouldn’t bother him.
“I’ve just thought about the positive things of playing for the Bulls, like what it will be like to put on a Bulls uniform and play before my family,” he stated. “There would be no pressure for me here. I’ll be really happy to play here.” Rose and Beasley aren’t the only freshmen expected to go high in the draft. Also in line to be first round picks are O.J. Mayo of USC, Jarryd Bayless of Arizona, Kevin Love of UCLA, Eric Gordon of Indiana and Anthony Randolph of LSU.
______ Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
