Derrick Rose Busts Out vs Slovenia (VIDEO)

It took seven games at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, but Derrick Rose finally resembled something close to his old self Tuesday in Team USA’s 119-76 quarterfinal romp over Slovenia.

As promised, Rose came out and stayed in attack mode, ending up with 12 points on 10 shots and five assists in 18 minutes. Per the Chicago Tribune:

If USA Basketball, which advances to a Thursday semifinal vs. Lithuania, wants to repeat as World Cup champions, it may well need Rose to become a scorer rather than facilitator again. Which is why coach Mike Krzyzewski, who had shared similar thoughts with reporters Monday, pulled Rose aside for a little chat.

 

“Coach K gave me that green light,” Rose said.

 

“That’s Derrick Rose,” Team USA assistant coach Tom Thibodeau said. “That’s how he plays basketball.” […] “As long as we win, I couldn’t care less about how much I score, how many times I miss, how many times I shoot,” Rose said. “If we win and I’m exciting people, that’s great too. … I know that I have it. I know what type of player I am. I know I’m great.”