Derrick Rose reflects on life choices and defines courage in pensive post - "We all going through the same s**t" 

Former NBA star Derrick Rose reflected on his past in a thoughtful social media post, underscoring the importance of demonstrating courage amid everyday hardships.

Rose, who retired in September after an acclaimed 15-year career, overcame numerous obstacles to achieve NBA stardom. He was born and raised by a single mother in an overcrowded household in Englewood, one of Chicago's South Side's most dangerous neighborhoods.

His upbringing was marred by poverty and crime as he refined his basketball skill set and earned money playing pick-up games at Murray Park.

Nevertheless, Rose attended one year of college at Memphis (2007-08) and was drafted No. 1 by his hometown Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft. Three years later, he became the league's youngest MVP, winning the award at age 22.

On Wednesday, Rose took to Instagram to share lengthy advice about navigating life's obstacles to achieve success. That includes balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities, avoiding confrontation in challenging environments and making disciplined choices. He noted that doing so is his definition of courage.

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"How are you showing your courage? That's something you can't avoid on this physical plane. We (are) all going through the same s**t but it's disguised in different ways," Rose said.

"(From) you thinkin' that you're finna go to college with your friends but your pops comes and tells you that the family needs you to run the business to you having to walk to school in another hood, but that hood is in war with yours. You have to show courage to be successful.

"Rule No. 1 in business is something that we all know, and that's you never take business personally. But (rule) No. 2 is even more important because where I'm from, it can add more years to your LIFE, and that rule is you mind your f**kin business.

"... It takes real courage to be mindful and disciplined with your choices. A MAN can raise his hand and say, 'I f**ked up,' and keep it moving. A MAN ain't getting tricked by that culture of honor bulls**t. Show that courage in a prudent way."

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Ja Morant on the impact of Derrick Rose's mentorship

Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant is among those who have benefitted from Derrick Rose's guidance.

Rose spent his final season (2023-24) playing alongside Morant, who received two suspensions in 2023 for brandishing firearms. According to the 2019 No. 2 draft pick, Rose gave him invaluable advice about "how to be a man."

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"He spoke on some of the stuff he went through, and we shared similar stuff, growing up and all," Morant told The Daily Memphian earlier this month.

"So, it was surprising to see that. Obviously, watching a guy like that — guys said we have similarities in our game. — Just to know that off the court we shared some of the same things was big time. (He showed) how I carry myself now, and what I do around the organization."

Thus, Derrick Rose appears poised to leave a positive mark on the next generation of hoopers.

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