By REYNALD MAGALLON
Retired NBA star and former league MVP Derrick Rose is coming back to Manila this September.
Rose, who announced his retirement from the game in 2024, is set to share the court with some of the country’s biggest names in the sport one more time while also recounting his experiences to his avid Filipino fans who followed him since his meteoric rise with the Chicago Bulls.
Known for his superb athleticism during his heyday as well as for his inspiring stories of resilience, it wasn’t surprising how Rose has become one of the most beloved NBA stars by the Filipino fans.
And that was very much on display during his first two visits in the country more than a decade ago, first when he joined other NBA legends like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul in a 2011 exhibition game.
He then made his return to the country two years after for his own two-day 2013 Manila tour where he was welcomed by thousands of fans during a series of basketball events and community engagements.
Rose played for 15 years in the NBA and had stints with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.
His Philippine visit will also come a few months before his Bulls jersey retirement set in January next year.
