First jobs stink, or they’re supposed to. My first job was at the United Center and US Cellular Field, now known as Guaranteed Rate Field. I was 17 and had an affinity for nice sneakers so i was willing to settle for any paycheck. The rules at work were bordering oppressive and some fans were obscenely obnoxious, but it was nothing like being a kid at the UC. I saw the end of great White Sox run, the beginning of Kane and Toews. But nothing compared to seeing Derrick Rose in his rookie season. D.Rose worked at the United Center too but on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. He was the #1 draft pick in 2008 and the answer to Chicago Bulls fans’ prayers everywhere.
Simeon’s finest was back at home after a year at Memphis. A city legend before college, Derrick Rose was the ultimate Chicago hooper: tough, handles, and willing to bang on whoever. He put on a show on the CPS (Chicago Public School) circuit and put on a show at AAU tournaments. He was the best player in college basketball and a couple free throws away from being a national champion, but he had to prove it on the biggest stage. The preseason had more of a buzz than usual. Before Rose was drafted by the Bulls, the team was mediocre at best. They were destined to be a fringe playoff team for the foreseeable future unless they landed a superstar through free agency or the draft. The Bulls had a 1.7% chance to land the #1 pick and miraculously, they did.