NBA star Derrick Rose promotes 'D Rose 7'

Derrick Rose speaks during a press conference at the Lotte World Mall in Songpa District, southeastern Seoul, Monday. / Courtesy of IMOK Communications

By Park Jae-hyuk

The National Basketball Association (NBA) New York Knicks’ point guard Derrick Rose visited Korea to promote his signature sneakers “D Rose 7” newly released by Adidas.

Arriving at Incheon International Airport on Sunday after his visit to Shanghai, China, Rose held a press conference and met his Korean fans at the Lotte World Mall in Songpa District, southeastern Seoul, Monday.

Rose told Korean fans that he was very glad to have their love and support.

“This is my first time in Seoul and I’m real glad this is the destination,” the youngest MVP of the 2010-11 NBA season said.

The 28-year-old basketball player was recently traded to the Knicks on June 22 from his hometown Chicago Bulls, where he started his NBA career in 2008.

“It’s a blessing having the opportunity to play on one of the biggest stages in the world and the U.S., in the Garden. I never thought about that when I was a kid growing up,” he said. “I will try my hardest to win as many games as possible. I’ll work my butt off and just try to rejuvenate that excitement back to that city.”

Rose also said that the Knicks are a super team.

“I still believe that,” he said. “You should believe in yourself and have the confidence that you are playing on a super team, anywhere.”

Introducing himself as a “pretty explosive” player, Rose said his team is preparing to prove something to the fans in the next season. “I love the culture Phil Jackson created and we’ve got to rebuild from that,” he said.

Rose had suffered from various injuries specifically his knee surgeries. He said he just set a simple goal for the upcoming season.

“My individual goal is just to win games and be a point guard,” he said. “Usually when I overthink things, and I’m out there thinking too much, I normally mess up.”

The 2016-17 NBA season will begin on Oct. 26 and the Knicks will have an opening match against the last season’s champion, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rose made sure Korean fans know to watch the NBA, especially the Knicks’ games.

“Everybody is having a fresh start. We have a lot of players traded and a lot of new coaches in the NBA,” he said.

After the press conference, Rose held a friendly match on a half-court with former Korean Basketball League players ― Kim Seung-hyun and Lee Seung-jun ― and Korean entertainers ― Haha, Jessi, NS Yoon-G and Epik High.