Derrick Rose has become a force of nature this year. The man-crush of all Bulls and greater Chicago sports fans alike, he’s a runaway front-runner to win the NBA MVP award.
His breakout season has of course inspired pride and awe in the Memphis Tigers college basketball community; and among those who have moved on to the NBA, including Joey Dorsey of the Toronto Raptors, and Chris Douglas-Roberts of the Milwaukee Bucks.
By Paul M. Banks
Dorsey, has a ton of size at 6-8, 268; and all of it is sculpted. In the Raptors second to last game of the season, he put the second double double of his career, with 10 points and 20 rebounds. The 20 boards, 10 of which came on the offensive glass, were a new career high.
“We’re very close. Me, him (Rose) and CDR,” Dorsey said.
“We didn’t know he was that good. We knew he was good, but when the tournament came he took it up another level. Now, he’s amazing. I think he’s the best player in the league right now.” Dorsey continued.
Bulls fans might remember Dorsey best from the flagrant foul he committed on Chicago 12th man Brian Scalabrine in the preseason; which earned him a one game suspension. But JD has a ton of respect for Chicago’s talent and ability.
“Derrick has shown everything this year, they’re going to be tough to beat in the East,” he said.
The Bucks acquired Chris Douglas-Roberts from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for a 2012 2nd round pick. He scored 24 against his old mates on 1/8, and he dropped a season high 30 on the Bulls January 24th. He had another 30 versus the Miami Heat on 1-7-11. He plays his best versus the best teams in the league.
So does he think Rose should be MVP?
“I’m biased of course, but if you watch what he’s doing, it’s not even close,”
He’s playing at a high level in all of the games and with all the fourth quarter comebacks, he deserves it,” Roberts said.
CDR also talked about what’s been the key to Rose’s development this season.
“In the summer, he used to work out two times a day, 6 days a week, for two months. So it’s no surprise. He’s playing at a high level because of the work he put in,” CDR continued.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest webzine. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
He does a regular guest spot each week for Chicagoland Sports Radio.com You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank