For Derrick Rose, it’s about sacrifice, dedication

MANILA, Philippines — As NBA superstar Derrick Rose drops by the Philippines for a weekend of fun and exciting activities, he has one piece of advice for Filipino athletes who aspire of reaching greater heights: dedication and sacrifice will lead you to success.

In a press conference at the Marriott Hotel on Monday, September 16, the 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player said he went through tough trials before making it to the grandest basketball stage.

“My dream was making it to the (big) league so I had to stay focused even if I was in an environment of negativity,” said Rose, who is in town for the last stop of the adidas D-Rose Tour.

And to achieve such greatness in the basketball scene, the Chicago Bull point guard said those two words made it possible for him to become one of the world’s most respected athletes now.

“I always say two things, dedication and sacrifice,” he said. “You have to sacrifice yourself, and the dedication comes when you’re tired and you still have to go out there and perform.”

WATCH: One on One: Derrick Rose

Staying on track

Aside from the hardwork, Rose also learned a valuable lesson from suffering through the rehabilitation of a torn ACL: patience.

He never got tired of basketball, and even if he was sidelined for so long, it is vital for him not to let go of the sport and stay focused no matter what adversities come.

“Just be patient. You have people reaching out to me (while I’m injured),” he shared. “I miss the game. I’m just trying to get back. The more you become healthy, the more you want to get back there.”

Raring to get back on the floor

And since Rose is ready for action, new hope springs in his hometown of Chicago.

“I have to come back and lead by example. I just have to let them know that I care about the championship, probably more than they do,” cited the Chicago native.

“I think we have a great opportunity. Our goal is to win the championship, win game by game and play together for the city of Chicago.”

The inspired Rose says he wants to give back glory and excitement to the city when he returns. He wants to lead the Bulls to a championship—a dream job according to him.

“It’s an honor to play for my city. It’s like a comic book where I’m the hero. It would be a dream job as an athlete to actually do well and bring a championship to your hometown.”

READ: Rose talks about career’s most memorable moment

Looking forward to build a legacy

At a tender age of 24, Rose thinks he’s just starting and he wants to put a stamp to his class by being one of the all-time greats.

“I have a goal and that is to win a championship and be one of the greatest basketball players ever,” said the one-time Team USA member.

He wants to make sure that people will talk about him in the future, after he leaves a mark on the basketball stage.

“I want to be one that people will talk about when they talk about the game, and I think I’m sacrificing a lot.”

Already a winner of the MVP plum and a FIBA World Championship in 2010, Rose can only do so much more when he returns to the scene, so everybody should have to be ready for more greatness.

“I want to make history.” – Rappler.com