By John Jackson (Chicago Suntimes)Although he'll have to sweat out the decision for another day or so -- the roster is expected to be trimmed from 19 to 15 by Monday -- it appears Derrick Rose has done enough to advance to the next stage in the process for making the U.S. team that will compete in the world championships next month in Turkey.
In the USA Basketball Showcase on Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus, Rose had 15 points (7-for-13 shooting) and eight assists in helping the White team to a 114-96 victory over the Blue team.
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Derrick Rose drives past Russell Westbrook (left) during a USA Basketball men's national team exhibition game on Saturday in Las Vegas.
(AP)
Kevin Durant scored a game-high 28 points for the White team.
Rose started at point guard and played a major role in the White team jumping out to a big lead because of their defense.
''It wasn't just me,'' Rose said of the defensive effort. ''You have to have trust, especially if you're gonna play tough defense and pressure the ball.''
Actually, Rose had a solid all-around performance. Besides his points and assists, he was credited with not committing a turnover -- at least on the stat sheet.
''I thought Derrick just played a beautiful game,'' U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. ''I don't think he had a turnover.''
''I did have one,'' Rose interjected.
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