The #1 pick?

Less than 24 hours before he steps on stage at Madison Square Garden, we got some time with Derrick Rose to catch up on everything going through his head before the biggest day of his life. Here’s what he said:

You’re here 24 hours before the biggest night of your life, what’s going through your head?
Rose: I’m just happy. All this stuff is overwhelming. My family is here, with all of my friends that I’ve played against. I’m having fun, that’s what it’s all about.

Does it feel like it’s been a long journey?
Rose: It’s long. It’s real long. I’ve thought about being in the NBA every day since I was in the fourth or fifth grade. It’s long.

What do you think about making the journey back to your hometown?
Rose: It would be awesome. Man, my dream has always been to play in my hometown. I thought LeBron James was the luckiest person because he got to play in his hometown. And if I get that chance, oh man.

Becoming an instant millionaire, what do you think about all of a sudden having about a million more friends than you did before?
Rose: That comes with the territory. But I think that I separated myself from people a little better than other players and I think I’ll be able to handle it.

How important have your brothers been in this journey?
Rose: They did so much, like making me do hard things. Or just my mother saying that I’m equal to everyone else, so don’t walk around big headed. That means a lot to my success.

What would you think about the opportunity to play with Dwyane Wade if you went to Miami?
Rose: It’d be exciting. We kinda have the same game – both attacking styles. Of course they have Shawn Marion, so the uptempo game is to my benefit.

Have you said before that Michael Beasley is the best player in this draft?
Rose: Haha, yea. Yes, sir.

He says that’s just you being humble…
Rose: Mike’s a great player and nobody can take that away from him. We’ll have to see who picks who.

Does this whole process get overwhelming?
Rose: Not really. I’m used to waking up early, having us waking up early and have us do all these things.

When did you know you were ready for the draft?
Rose: I think around when we made it to Texas, I was having a great feeling – feeling really good about myself and the team. I knew that if I played well and performed well, I’d have to leave. It was the Texas game. I was kinda iffy before then, but after the Texas game I knew.

Was there any part of you that wanted to go back for one more year?
Rose: Not really. I think that when the tournament kept going, I think that I was feeling more comfortable. People go to college just to go as far as you can. I made it to the championship, I didn’t win it. I feel like I had to leave.

Two years ago when you were playing high school ball in Chicago, did you ever fathom that you would be the first pick in the NBA Draft?
Rose: Yeah, why not. I want to be No. 1 in everything. I’m really competitive. I always thought that I would go No. 1. It hasn’t been a doubt in my mind. If not, I wouldn’t mind playing in Miami.

People aren’t used to seeing you in a shirt and tie, all decked out – do you like the new look?
Rose: Yeah, people are saying that I look kinda handsome. Just kinda, though. It’s something that I’m getting used to, just being a professional. I see that the older players and the vets in the League are professionals, so why not start early?

So you’re a businessman now?
Rose: Oh yea, I have to. I have to be a business man.

You could probably have been a top 5 pick if you didn’t go to college – but what are the one or two things that helped you by going to college?
Rose: Just playing with a team full of veterans and the coaching staff of Memphis.

How’s life going to be without John Calipari?
Rose: It was crazy out there, and it’s gonna be crazy not being around him. Just knowing that the coach I play for isn’t going to be that hard on me. But if he is, that’ll be great. Coach Cal meant so much to my game this year it’s crazy.

Yesterday, Barack Obama was asked who he would pick No. 1 – he picked you and called you Jason Kidd with a jumper – how does that feel?
Rose: Oh, man! It means a lot, even when he’s watching my game or reading about my game. Knowing what he’s doing, it makes me wanna work out right now.

What’s tomorrow going to be like when you walk on that stage?
Rose: It’s going to be emotional really. I could just say that because my mother’s going to be crying, I know that for sure. And I’m gonna try not to look at her too much so I won’t tear up. I know if I look at her I’ll get some tears.

If you go to the Bulls what jersey are you going to wear? The same No. 25 you wore in high school in honor of Ben Wilson?
Rose: Whichever number they give me, man! They could give me No. 93 as long as I’m out there playing in the NBA.

What kind of impact could you make in Chicago?
Rose: It could be huge. The fan base is going to be crazy at the games if I do get drafted there. It’s going to be a positive vibe around the city if I do get drafted there.