In no matter what you do, you must work for it. You must set goals for yourself and work hard to the best of your ability to achieve them. You must work through adversity and obstacles that may stop you from living out your dream. Derrick Rose, a NBA basketball player, learned nothing is given to him and must grind through the hardships life throws at your way.

On October 4, 1988, Derrick Martell Rose was born in one of the most dangerous areas in Chicago Illinois. Derrick was always on the lookout of any danger that could come from his neighborhood. Without a father, his mother was extra protective to Derrick and his three older brothers. Derrick’s three older brothers taught him basketball. Instantly he was hooked and dreamed of being some of the greats, one of them being Michael Jordan. 

Despite the dangerous areas in Chicago, Derrick found ways to play basketball with his brothers at parks and courts. Derrick sometimes would end up in fights so he could have his turn to play at the public courts. Thankfully his brothers were always there to keep an eye on him. Soon Derrick would become an extraordinary player. He worked on his explosiveness, slick moving passes, and amazing court vision. Derrick was becoming a superstar in the making.

As Derrick’s talent grew, so did his interest in playing for a high school academy. Derrick joined Simeon Academy and instantly became one of the best in the state. His brothers always kept an eye on him during practice. They would even punish Derrick if he stepped out of line.

Derrick wore the number 25. This was to honor his friend that passed away during his childhood. He would later wear the number in his professional career. 

In highschool, Derrick was sensational. Derrick’s coach gave him a role on varsity when the playoffs started but he turned him down. Derrick did not want to steal the spotlight from the seniors that were graduating that year.

Derrick joined varsity the following season. Within a few games, he instantly became one of the top ranked point guards in the nation. He averaged 25 points in his high school career and led the team to multiple state championship games. He even helped his team to be the first high school to win back to back state championships in Chicago. Derrick would have to play against future NBA stars such as Kemba Walker and Brandon Jennings. This stunning resume would impress tons of college prospects that came to watch Derrick play.

With his senior year coming up, Derrick had to decide on what college he should attend. Derrick had many offers from colleges like Illinois and Indiana Universities. With such a big decision, Derrick asked his brothers for guidance. After many months of filtering through colleges, Derrick committed to Memphis University to play for the Tigers. There he would play for coach John Calipari and assistant coach Rod Strickland who played in the NBA. Derrick was in good hands.

Derrick’s college career was quick but he made a lasting impact for Memphis. He took the team to 33 wins and only one loss. For the first time since 1980, Memphis made the number one seed in the March Madness Tournament. In the tournament, Derrick led the way with averaging 15 points a game. With such an impressive freshman year, Derrick decided to take his talents to the NBA and declared for the 2008 draft. 

At the time, the Chicago Bulls were rebuilding. Ever since Michael Jordan left the Bulls in 1998, they have been trying to find someone to replace him. The draft was coming up and the Bulls found the perfect opportunity to pick up a young star with amazing potential. That player would be the Chicago native Derrick Rose. With the first pick of the 2008 draft, the Bulls selected Derrick. Derrick instantly proved the Bulls right about his impressive skill. He quickly turned the organization around by averaging 16 points and leading the Bulls to the playoffs. The future was bright.