Derrick Rose, after an illustrious 16-year NBA career, has now dedicated his platform to nurturing the next generation of basketball talents. His journey began at Simeon Career Academy, where he laid the groundwork for his remarkable career. In a remarkable partnership with Adidas, he is starting his advocacy with his high school squad.

Adidas' Recognition of Simeon Career Academy

The sports apparel giant, Adidas, has named Simeon Career Academy as the first Adidas Basketball “Rose School.” This partnership goes beyond just providing uniforms with Rose's signature logo. Three-time NBA All-Star Rose and Adidas are committed to offering the players opportunities for both personal and athletic growth. As Adidas Basketball stated in their Instagram post announcing this partnership, “Derrick Rose’s journey began in high school at Simeon Career Academy, where he built the foundation for his career. His Simeon experience laid the groundwork for the legacy he continues to build. Together, we’re proud to announce Simeon as the first Rose school, continuing our mission to inspire and create opportunities for the next generation.”

The Significance of Simeon's Championships

Rose played for Simeon from 2004 to 2007. During this time, despite sitting out the 2003 season even though then-coach Bob Hambric invited him to play for the varsity team as a freshman, the Wolverines achieved remarkable feats. They won Class AA state championships in 2006 and 2007, making Simeon the first Chicago Public Schools team to secure back-to-back state titles. These victories not only brought glory to the school but also set a benchmark for future generations.

Rose's High School Achievements

Derrick Rose's high school basketball career was nothing short of extraordinary. He had two All-State mentions and was selected multiple times for All-American teams by EA Sports, McDonald’s, Parade Magazine, and USA Today. His jersey number 25 was retired, along with that of the late high school basketball legend Benji Wilson. He ended his high school career with an impressive 120-12 record, placing Simeon among the nationally ranked teams. These achievements showcase his exceptional talent and leadership during his high school years.

The Wolverines' Current Season

The Wolverines finished the 2023-24 Illinois high school basketball season with a 17-14 record. Their final game was a tough loss to Curie in the Illinois High School Association Class 4A sectional finals. However, this year they started their campaign on a high note with three consecutive victories, earning them the 22nd spot in the Illinois On3 Composite Team Rankings. Despite the setback in the final game, their early-season success shows the potential and promise of the team.