WATCH: Derrick Rose Receives Standing Ovation From Fans on Memphis Return After 15 Years

There is nothing like a good homecoming. And Derrick Rose got to experience the best one of all. The former Knicks guard returned back to Memphis fifteen years after last playing there. In 2007, Rose accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Memphis Tigers under John Calipari. 

Despite strong efforts from Indiana University and University of Illinois, the Chicago native chose Memphis because of the school’s history of putting players in the NBA. The prospect of receiving the mentorship of Rod Strickland, a 17-year veteran of the league definitely made things easier. 

Later, he returned home after being picked first overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. Now in 2023, he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies choosing to wear the number 23. This was the same number he wore during his time playing for the University of Memphis. 

The welcome fit for a star 

The Grizzlies opened the 2023-24 season Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. Derrick Rose made his debut and was introduced to a standing ovation from the crowd at FedExForum.

It seems like the fans still hold fond memories of him leading the Tigers to the 2008 national championship game. However, they fell to Kansas in overtime. Later, he announced to forgo his final three seasons at Memphis and declared for the draft. 

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Since then, he has played with Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks. Upon his return, Rose said he has never been around a team that likes being around each other more than the current Memphis Grizzlies. 

Grizzlies vs Pelicans

The first game of the season and the Grizzlies are already struggling. They scored 104 against the Pelicans’ 111. Desmond Bane scored a team-high 31 points, shooting 5-of-10 from behind the arc. And Jaren Jackson Jr. had eight points on 2-of-9 shooting and 0-of-5 from 3. 

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Derrick, who played 15 minutes, had 8 points with 2 rebounds and 3 assists. With their next game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, let us hope that the team will get back together and give better performance.