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Derrick Rose NBA's MVP...Great Player But Even A Better Person
© Suburban Journals of Chicago photo by Mark Rotor

At this years training camp Bulls' Allstar guard Derrick Rose made a surprising statement: “The way I look at it why can’t I be the MVP in the league? Why can’t I be the best player in the league?” Today Derrick Rose did just that and was announced as the 2010-11 National Basketball Association KIA MVP Most Valuable Player.

Chicago truly did win the lotto when extraordinary talented but yet humble budding superstar arrived in town. Derrick the 22 year old, 3rd year player for the Chicago Bulls becomes the youngest MVP in NBA history, younger by 5 months than the 1969 MVP and Hall of Famer, Wes Unseld.

Rose's MVP Motivation

Regarding Rose preseason MVP statement, "I remember coming into training camp I wasn’t trying to be cocky at all," Rose said. "I knew that I put a lot of hard work in the summer and in the off season. I just wanted to push my self and that’s all."

Obviously, Rose's hard work payed off as he averaged 25 points, 7.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds. He joined an elite group of players becoming the seventh player in NBA history to post averages of at least 25 points, 7.5 assists and four rebounds in a single season. The group includes Basketball Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan in addition to current NBA stars Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

"2010-11 NBA MVP Honors Goes To Derrick Rose
© Suburban Journals of Chicago photo by Mark Rotor

It was a another dominating performance by Rose as he won the MVP vote by a overwhelming margin of 93.4% of the 1st place votes. Of the 121 votes by writes and broadcasters Rose was awarded 1,182 points including 113 first-place votes. He received all but 7 first place votes. The next closes competitor was Dwight Howard yielding only three of the 1st place votes (643 points). LeBron James had four 1st place votes but only tallied 522 points. Kobe Bryant (428 points, one first-place vote) and Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (190 points, zero first-place votes)

He A Great Player…But He Even A Better Human Being

Winning the #1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery and having been part of the group that selected Derrick Rose Bulls GM Gar Forman a unique perspective on Rose. "Going in to that draft (2008) our feeling was that this too good to be true, today I stand hear believing this is still too good to be true," Forman said. "I can tell you about the great talent that Derrick has, the heart that he has, the desire and unselfish determination he has. I can tell you about the great teammate that he is. All of those things contribute to the great player that Derrick has become. But in my mind, the biggest compliment I can give him is as great as a player as he is Derrick is even a better person.”

Run Away Winner of Maurice Podoloff MVP Trophy
© Suburban Journals of Chicago photo by Mark Rotor

“When I was sitting on the opposing bench the obvious thing was Derrick’s talent," Thibodeau said. "Watching him practice with Team USA I was really struck by the way he practiced. It was a great summer for Derrick with Team USA winning the gold but the next day after he returned from Turkey he was in our gym with his (Bulls) teammates, I couldn’t believe it.”

“You see his drive, his humility, his pride and how much he cares about his team. He always wants to do better and he has become a great leader for us. At 22 years old, he only is going to get better and better. I what to congratulate him and tell him it is an honor and a privilege to be his coach”.

"I like to thank a lot of people," Rose said. "First of all I want to thank god for giving me the ability to go out there and play the way I’m playing. I also, thank the NBA for this award because this means a lot to me, the city of Chicago and the Bulls organization. I thank my teammates and the coaching staff because with out all you I would be here. Thank you to the ownership and management for picking these guys. We love each other.

"I thank my family and friend for pushing me and make sure I'm on the right path. I'm blessed to have you all in my life. I want to thank my Mom, my heart, she the reason I play the way I play. I love you and appreciate you being in my life."

"Finally, I like to thank my fans in the city of Chicago and all around the world. Also the people who laid the foundation, Scottie Pippin and Michael Jordon are fan base wouldn't be as big as it is. It's great to be on the road and have half of the fans cheering for us."

Rose will get back to work on Wednesday when Bulls continue their best of 7 series at the United Center down 0-1 to the Atlanta Hawks. Rose said his ankle he injured in game #1 is fine and he ready to play. He said the medicine he received following the game is work well.