New Bull attracts a frenzy all day long

0 Comments | USA TODAY, June, 2008 | by Chris Colston

NEW YORK -- Derrick Rose's day began late, 11 a.m., with a phone call from his best friend, Randall Hampton. He didn't say anything; instead, he turned some music up "really loud," according to Rose, then said, "Get ready! Today is your day!"

The players were housed at the Westin Hotel on West 43rd Street. Rose attended a luncheon from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The action really began to pick up around 5p.m., when he met with a reporter and an NBA Entertainment television crew. He had changed from a white tank top to a white dress shirt.

The chance to play for his hometown Chicago Bulls is "real special," he says, since he grew up on the south side of Chicago. He lists his favorite Bulls players as Michael Jordan (no surprise), Scottie Pippen and B.J. Armstrong. ...