Coach K pushed Rose to be more aggressive and selfish in quarter-final clash…
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Rose reaction to Slovenia win: Point guard pleased with win in quarter-final.
Krzyzewski wants to see Rose “go off”: Coach K waiting for Bulls star to explode.
Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski believes Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose is getting back to his best after impressing against Slovenia.
Rose scored 12 points and had five assists after a slow start to the tournament, with the 25-year-old struggling with his shooting and ability to make an impact off the bench.
As a result, Krzyzewski told the explosive guard to play his natural game in the quarter-final and worry less about facilitating for others, and it appeared as though Rose took on board his suggestions.
With more moves to the basket, Rose put in a more accomplished performance to secure a one-sided victory over Slovenia, and Team USA now advance to the semi-finals where they will play Lithuania.
“He’s ready to be Derrick,” Krzyzewski said, ESPN reports.
“It’s kind of a stark contrast really. We believe in Derrick. And I think the lid came off or the jar was open or whatever you want to say. He had his look.”
“You could see in his face he was different,” Krzyzewski continued. “And I’m glad. I think this starts the journey back to being who he is. And I think it’ll happen.”
Rose had previously gone 8 of 37 through the first six games of the tournament, but after stern words from Coach K, it appeared as though he placed less emphasis on being a “team guy”, and was more aggressive in his general approach.
Having played in just 10 games over the past two NBA seasons, the Bulls star is undoubtedly still working to get back to his previous level of play, but the signs are promising that the FIBA World Cup will be the perfect warm-up to the new campaign.
Both Krzyzewski and assistant Tom Thibodeau believe that Rose is improving, and it is merely a matter of time before he reaches his best as he looks to shake off the dust and get back in the mindset of being the go-to guy for his team.
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