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Derrick Rose To Wear Jersey No. 23 With Grizzlies; Wore Number With Memphis Tigers

Derrick Rose is fully embracing nostalgia.

The three-time All-Star signed with the Memphis Grizzlies during free agency, which means that he will call the city of Memphis home for the first time since his college days. In addition to simply playing in his college town, Rose is also reverting back to his collegiate number, 23, for the first time in his professional career.

Rose played one collegiate season at Memphis, but it was a memorable one. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 40 games and led the Tigers to a 38-2 overall record. They made the National Championship, losing out to Kansas 75-68 in overtime for the title.

He earned Third-Team All-American honors and would be a finalist for the Bob Cousy and John Wooden Awards. He would go on to be the No. 1 pick of his hometown Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Rose wore No. 25 in high school, but switched to No. 23 with the Tigers because the school had retired No. 25 for Penny Hardaway. He would revert to No. 1 with the Bulls before finally getting No. 25 when he joined the New York Knicks in 2017. He would also add No. 4 to his jersey collection, but now finally wears his college number.

Girl Models Derrick Rose's All-Star Jersey & Adidas Shoes

Adidas used the 2011 NBA All-Star Game as an opportunity to have Derrick Rose close the book on the adidas adiZero Rose and start a new story with the adiZero Rose 1.5. The point guard alternated shoes in each half of the game, using the last two quarters to debut the 1.5.

As expected, Rose rocked the launch colorway that he'll wear for Bulls games as opposed to the "Red Carpet" shoe we saw hit the net in weeks leading up to the break. It appears the All-Star colorway was made available overseas, and thanks to photographer Money, we have a new look at those kicks and the Simeon-inspired adiZero Rose that Derrick wore in the first half.

Seen here are new images of a female model proudly displaying D-Rose's All-Star gear. Both sneakers are included, as well Derrick's jersey, warm-up jacket and TechFit knee pads. You can buy the All-Star adiZero Rose now from Eastbay.

  

Derrick Rose Debuts And Reviews The New Adidas AdiZero Rose 2.5

words // Brandon Richard

via Press Release

The NBA's reigning MVP, Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, has debuted his new adidas adiZero Rose 2.5 signature shoe. In a video released today by adidas, Rose continues to pay homage to fans who have reviewed Rose signature footwear with a review of his own and encourages them to submit reviews to the adidas Basketball Facebook page when the shoe officially launches on February 2.

Rose's fourth signature shoe tips the scales at just 11 ounces, making it the lightest signature sneaker he has ever worn on the court. The reduction in weight gives Derrick next-level speed and support for the second half of the season and the Bulls' playoff run.

Design features of the adiZero Rose 2.5 are highlighted by a top down satellite view of Derrick's Englewood, Chicago neighborhood embossed in the toebox and throughout the upper. The map view is a continuation of the "Cleared for Flight" theme introduced with the adiZero Rose 2 and represents a view from high above. Additional details include the name "ROSE" on the tongue and 3-Stripes branding on the heel of the shoe to emphasize Derrick's on-court speed. Featured on the sockliner is an infrared color and Derrick's signature, saluting his personal motivation and inspired performance. His jersey number "1" appears on the toebox.

Taking cues from the adiZero Crazy Light, the upper features premium SprintFrame execution and enlarged SprintWeb construction to reduce weight, increase support and allow maximum motion control. The GEOFit memory foam collar enhances support and fit, particularly when paired with Derrick's adiZero Speed Wrap Ankle Brace.

The adiZero Rose 2.5 also uses the adizero Crazy Light outsole traction system, featuring varied engineered thickness to ensure maximum grip in high wear perimeter zones, and less thickness and weight in low perimeter zones like the midfoot.

Home and away Chicago colorways of the adidas adiZero Rose 2.5 will be available on February 2 at Foot Locker, Eastbay and shopadidas for $110. The shoe will then roll out in six additional colorways through April, so keep checking the adidas Basketball Facebook page for exclusive images and content.

Below is a multi-page look at the adiZero Rose 2.5, Derrick's personal review of the shoe, action shots and a pre-production design sketch. Let us know what you think about the newest Derrick Rose signature shoe below and stick with Sole Collector for much more Rose 2.5 coverage.

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