A weekend of tributes honors Derrick Rose’s legacy with a jersey retirement, a city proclamation, and heartfelt moments at his alma mater. The pride of Chicago, Rose remains a symbol of resilience and community (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington).
Pardon the cliché, but Chicago came up “All Roses” for Derrick Rose.
From the courts of Simeon High School to the United Center rafters, the hometown hero has been celebrated like royalty.
On Friday, Rose delighted fans with a pop-up event, Rose’s Flower Shop, a nod to his iconic name and legacy. Hours later, he was back where it all began, taking the court with his son at Simeon High School. It was a poignant moment—20 years and 30 days after his varsity debut as a sophomore phenom.
The celebration reached its pinnacle on Saturday, as the Chicago Bulls announced they will retire Rose’s No. 1 jersey during the 2025-26 season.
“No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls. Number 1 will always be from Chicago,” declared the team via a social media post.
OFFICIAL: The Bulls will retire Derrick Rose’s number during the 2025-26 NBA season. No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls.
Number 1 will always be from Chicago. pic.twitter.com/s7z3J030WA
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 4, 2025
With this honor, Rose’s place in Chicago sports history is cemented: from local high school star to NBA MVP, the youngest ever in league history, by the way.
A Proclamation and a Garden
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson added to the festivities, proclaiming January 4 as D Rose Day. Johnson also announced that the Growing Home pollinator garden would be named after Rose.
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Plus, in a gesture overflowing with love and roses, fans got to glimpse an incredible flower installation dedicated to Rose at Clybourn Park o.
A Simeon Legacy Like No Other
Rose’s rise began at Simeon High School, where he led the Wolverines to back-to-back city and state titles in his junior and senior years. From his varsity debut on December 4, 2004, against Thornwood—where he tallied 22 points, seven rebounds, and five steals—it was clear that Rose was a generational talent. Instead of gaudy scoring statistics, Rose became more known for his stoic selflessness. He was about elevating his teammates while tantalizing fans with his uncommon athleticism.
During his junior year, Rose shone brightest at the Chicago Public League championship held at the United Center. His 25-point performance included electrifying dunks that ignited the crowd. Later that season, he delivered Simeon’s first state title in decades with a game-winning jumper in overtime against Richwoods High School.
In his senior year, Rose’s legend grew. In a closely contested battle, the Wolverines traveled to Madison Square Garden to face Rice High School and a young Kemba Walker. Weeks later, Simeon faced Oak Hill Academy and hyped guard Brandon Jennings on ESPN. Rose dominated with 28 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, earning USA Today’s High School Player of the Week honors.
Simeon became the first Chicago Public League school to win consecutive state championships. Rose’s Wolverines ended the season with a 33-2 record, ranked No. 1 in the nation by Sports Illustrated.
The Numbers Behind the Legend
Over four years, Simeon amassed a staggering 120–12 record with Rose at the helm. His senior season averages—25.2 points, 9.1 assists, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.4 steals—earned him Illinois Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American honors. The accolades were endless: First Team All-American by Parade and USA Today and recognition as one of the nation’s top prospects.
With his jersey set to hang in the United Center rafters, one thing is clear: Number 1 will always be Derrick Rose, and Derrick Rose will always be Chicago.
Giving @drose & Chicago the flowers they deserve.
01.04.2025
— adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) January 3, 2025
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