April 15, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis freshman Derrick Rose announced Tuesday that he will enter the 2008 NBA Draft and forego his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility. The following are statements from Rose and Memphis head coach John Calipari, along with Rose's highlights from the 2007-08 campaign:

ROSE STATEMENT ON ENTERING THE NBA DRAFT
"I have decided to make myself eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft. This is not a step I take lightly, although it has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. After weighing all of the options - with which I am blessed - I feel that it is the right time for me to take this step.

"I want all of you to know that I loved every minute of my time at the University of Memphis. The friendships, the knowledge, the growing I did there - in every meaning of the word - will stay with me the rest of my life.

"There are many people I want to thank, including my teammates, the tremendous fans, and everyone at the University of Memphis - especially Coach (John) Calipari and the assistant coaches. Their support and guidance means more to me than I can ever say. I want to remain close to the University once I begin my career in the NBA. I hope to pursue my education, for I have no doubt the importance of learning.

"My only regret is not winning a national title for the University of Memphis. I am, however, very excited about the prospect of playing in the NBA and continuing to strive to be the best player and the best person I can be. Thank you."

MEMPHIS HEAD COACH John Calipari ON Derrick Rose
"Derrick is one of the great players I've ever coached, but of even more importance, he is one of the greatest teammates I've been around.

"We are forever indebted to Derrick and his family for what they did for not only this basketball program, but also for the University and the city of Memphis. It was a tremendous opportunity for me and the staff to coach such a fine person."

ROSE HIGHLIGHTS
• Team's second-leading scorer (14.9 ppg) and third-leading rebounder (4.5 rpg)
• Led team with 189 assists and third with 48 steals
• Shot 47.7 percent from the field, 33.7 percent from the arc and 71.2 percent from the foul line
• 2007-08 Cousy Award finalist and Wooden Award finalist
• Associated Press All-America third team
• NCAA Tournament All-Final Four Team
• NCAA Tournament South Region MVP
• NABC All-District 7 first team
• USBWA All-District 4 team
• C-USA Freshman of the Year and All-C-USA first team and C-USA All-Freshman Team pick
• Sporting News, Rivals.com and collegeinsider.com National All-Freshman Team pick
• Named to C-USA All-Tournament Team
• Had 189 assists, the most by freshman in Tiger history
• Averaging 20.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists in NCAA Tournament
• Scored 18 points and added six boards and eight assists vs. Kansas in the NCAA Tournament championship game
• Played a career-high 45 minutes vs. the Jayhawks in the title contest
• Had 25 points vs. UCLA in Final Four; hit season-high 11 FTs vs. Bruins
• Had 21 points, nine assists and six boards vs. Texas in South Region final
• Netted career-high 27 points vs. Michigan State in South Region semis
• Netted seven of 17 points vs. Miss. State in final 6:07
• Averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in C-USA Tournament
• Netted 25 points vs. Southern Miss in C-USA Tournament semifinal
• Dished out 11 assists vs. UAB (high in league play)
• Scored 23 points vs. Southern Miss; had 22 of his 23 in second half vs. the Golden Eagles
• Had the team's final seven points (trey, 4-of-4 FT) to seal the win over Southern Miss
• Had a superb outing vs. Tennessee with a game-high 23 points; also added five boards, five assists and four steals (career-high)
• Had 17 points vs. UTEP; netted four points (lane jumper, 2 FT) in final :51 to help seal the win
• Nearly had a triple-double vs. Gonzaga with 19 points, eight boards and nine assists
• Named C-USA Player of the Week for Dec. 17-23
• Averaged 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists in the two wins over Cincinnati and Georgetown
• Had 18 points, three boards and six assists vs. Georgetown
• Hit 5-of-6 FTs late in game to seal victory over the Hoyas
• Scored a season-high 26 points vs. Cincinnati
• Also posted season bests vs. the Bearcats for treys made (5) and attempted (8)
• Had nine points, 10 boards (season high), four assists and three steals vs. Southern Cal
• Accounted for all eight points (2 hoops/2 assists) in an 8-0 run that turned a 41-46 deficit to a 49-46 lead in a 1:18 span in the second half vs. the Trojans
• Hit game-clinching FT with :07 left in OT vs. Southern Cal
• Posted first collegiate double-double with 19 points and 12 assists vs. Austin Peay; the 12 assists were a season high
• The 12 assists were the most for a Tiger in a single game since Anfernee Hardaway dished out 14 dimes vs. Georgia State on Jan. 4, 1993
• Selected to the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic All-Tournament Team
• Averaged 20.5 points and 5.5 boards in two 2K Classic games in NYC
• Had 24 points in 2K Sports Classic title game vs. UConn
• Netted 17 points vs. Oklahoma in 2K Sports Classic semifinal contest
• Named the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic/Memphis Regional MVP