[Bryan88]

Daily Herald | Derrick Rose meets with Bulls' media

Q: What did you do during your workout?

"They had me do a lot of set drills, dribbling drills, attacking the pick and roll and a lot of shooting. I think I did well."

Q: Have you thought about the distractions that would come with playing in your home town?

"I haven't thought about that. I've just thought about the positive things, like how it feels to be in a Bulls uniform and my family will get to see me and hopefully I'll make them win a couple more games.

"There's no pressure. I've been playing here my whole life. I'll be happy to play here."

Q: If you're not picked first, will it be a disappointment?

"Not really. Playing in the NBA was always my goal. I'll be hurt a little bit, but my goal is the NBA and I'll be playing for some team in the NBA."

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

"An unselfish guard that's willing to do anything to win. I mean, anything."

Q: Why did you say in Orlando that Michael Beasley is a better player?

"He is the best player. Hands down, he is. He's just good. He's a 6-7, 6-8 player that can do everything on the court. I just know he's the best player."

Q: Do you have a workout scheduled with Miami?

"I don't think so. I have to ask (agent) B.J. (Armstrong) about it. All I know is I'm here now. I'll probably go down there and work out. If not, too bad."

Q: How are you feeling with the draft a week away?

"At first, I was just nonchalant about it. But as people keep coming up to me asking if I was excited about it, now I'm just frantic. I just can't wait till they call my name. I don't care which team, but I hope the Bulls call my name."

Q: What were your impressions of new Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro?

"He's fine. He's played in the NBA, so he's been in the game. I talked to him (Wednesday), we were talking about the offense he was running. But he was saying he wants to run his offense through his defense and coach Cal (Memphis' John Calipari) and (Simeon's) Robert Smith, that's what they were talking about, running their offense through their defense. That's the way I've been playing my whole years of playing basketball - defense makes offense. So he's my type of coach."

Q: Have you thought about what number you'll wear (he was No. 23 at Memphis)?

"Not at all. I don't even know what numbers are available. I just know that there are a couple left."

Q: What were your impressions of the Bulls players you met?

"They're working out. It's not even in the season and they're up there working hard and getting shots up. I like to see that because that's the type of player I am."

Q: Have you gotten advice from any NBA point guards?

"Not many. (Golden State's) Baron Davis, that was about the only one. And LeBron James during the NCAA Tournament."

Q: What was it like growing up with your three older brothers who all played basketball?

"It was exciting going to the parks, watching them play, wishing that I could be them or be better than them. Crying when they beat me in a game. Now I can just bully them on the court."

Q: How do you think you'd help the Bulls?

"I think I can help by beating my man and making shots for other players, and just by being a leader. I know they'll help me become that leader."

Q: You were a winner in high school and college. Where does that talent come from?

"A blessing God gave me, I'd have to say. It just came with me. I don't know where it came from."

Q: What parts of your game need the most improvement?

"My all-around game. Of course, shooting. But that will progress when basketball becomes my job. Just becoming a leader, being more vocal on the court."

Q: Did you pattern your game after any NBA player?

"No. It's hard trying to imitate someone's playing style. I don't know how people do it. I'm just trying to play like Derrick Rose. That's about it."

Q: Is setting up teammates your primary job?

"Yeah, when I get that motor going, hopefully that loosens me up. Seeing them happy or getting their confidence just gets me energetic. As long as they're happy, I'm happy."

Q: Why have point guards such as Chris Paul and Deron Williams made such an impact in recent years?

"You have the ball like 90 percent of the game. You call all the shots and you are that leader while you're on the court. So as long as you're making good calls, you have a chance to win."

Q: How would you describe the Englewood neighborhood you grew up in?

"It was tough, a typical bad neighborhood. One can't get any worse than the other. It was just bad. My brothers lived around the neighborhood. Nobody would touch me (at the playgrounds)."

Q: What went through your mind when the Bulls won the No. 1 draft pick?

"I was just looking at the TV like, 'This can't be true.' All of us were surprised. A 1.7 percent chance and seeing them win, I just thought about LeBron James. I thought he was he luckiest person in the world to get to play in his home city. Now I have that chance. I'm just hoping that they pick me."

Q: Did it take you a while to get over losing to Kansas in the NCAA title game?

"It was real tough knowing that I was one of the reasons why we lost, not hitting a free throw."

Q: You had a great game at the United Center your junior year of high school. Do you like playing there?

"It was a big stage. I love big stages. Now every NBA game is a big stage. The United Center, there's just something about that court that I love to play on. Hopefully that chance will come true."

Q: If Beasley is the best player, why should the Bulls draft you?

"I think I can control the team a little bit more. I think I'm a leader and I think I'll push the players and everyone else to have that attitude."