Before Derrick Rose crashed NBA highlight reels, he was crashing paradigms. He is proof that a 6’3” guard could dismantle giants with just a first step and a scowl. But his true legacy isn’t just in the stats (17.4 ppg) or the MVP trophy; it’s in the unexpected armies of fans halfway across the world, raised on a diet of basketball dreams they’d never dared to taste. The architect of that hunger? A legend who towered over the game in every sense. And their paths cross once more, not as rivals, but as torchbearers.
Yes, it’s the 7’6″ gentle giant, Beast from the Far East, Yao Ming, who was an unstoppable paint dominator. Yao and Rose couldn’t have had more contrasting on-court personalities, yet somehow their connection goes beyond typical NBA networking. Back in 2011, while Yao was a free agent, whispers circulated that he might join Rose’s Bulls for a championship run before retiring. And even though that idea never translated into reality, the two stars linked up recently. The whole Rose family was spotted with Yao.
We got a glimpse of the reunion through Rose’s Instagram. The event played out exactly like you’d have hoped, no media, zero coverage, just two raw and unfiltered Instagram stories. It was a picture of Yao with Rose’s family. Rose captioned the story – “Crazy I played against you Yao lol. Thank you for the knowledge and love”. This was followed by a side-by-side shot of the two stars, where Rose’s smirk barely contained it as he dubbed the picture “Pooh x The President,” pointing out their contrasting physicality. Or perhaps Yao Ming’s re-election as President of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2022.
HOUSTON – APRIL 26: Center Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets during play against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The two met in China during Rose’s visit to the country this week. China is a nation that has its youth striving to be like D-Rose. Fans immediately picked up on the hint of a shared future lying under this reminiscence of the past. Do we sense the possibility of collaborative basketball camps? Time will tell. If the two players come together to shape the future of basketball, it will be a treat to witness that, just as it was back when they played against each other.
Tied at 1-1, Ming and Rose went up against each other twice. In December of 2008, we got to witness a rookie Rose v/s a prime Yao. The 20-year-old rookie attacked Yao relentlessly in pick-and-rolls and dropped 17 points, giving Chicago a glimpse of their future. However, Houston’s strong defense, where Ming altered Rose’s drives without even needing to jump, led them to win 107-100. March of 2011, the MVP frontrunner against injury-battling legend, was their final on-court meeting. This match resulted in a symbolic passing of the torch, with Chicago winning by 118-88. Yao retired shortly after.
Is Rose bigger than Yao in China?
How did the influence of foreign basketballers begin in China? Before Rose, when the NBA first entered China in the late 1980s and 1990s, there was Jordan. The godfather of basketball in China, who started it all with his ‘Nike Air Jordans’. After Jordan’s second retirement (2003), Chinese fans craved a new explosive guard to idolize. Players like Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, and Kobe Bryant filled the gap, but none had Jordan’s underdog appeal until Derrick Rose arrived.
Well, according to what Adidas reported, 70% of Rose’s signature shoe sales come from China. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, because China is a populous country and Basketball is a popular sport. However, what solidifies China’s love for Rose even more is what Chinese fans dubbed him – “玫瑰” (Méiguī, “Rose”) for his beauty on the court.
When Rose was at his peak, his jersey sales in China rivaled that of Kobe’s. And even post his injuries and decline, the Adidas D-Rose line remains as popular. Derrick Rose’s relatable size is also one of the factors that make him the grassroots favourite. His frequent visits to the country, which include basketball clinics and promotional events, leave the fans loving him more.
Jan 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks former player Derrick Rose speaks as he is honored at halftime of a game between the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
This time around, in April 2025, Derrick Rose embarked on a dynamic tour across China, proving exactly why he’s so popular with the Chinese. A highlight of his visit was an intense one-on-one match against China’s renowned streetball player, Chen Zewen. In a game that pushed both athletes to their limits, Rose emerged victorious with a score of 101–64, showcasing his enduring skill and determination.
Beyond the court, Rose made a significant appearance at the NBA Hoop Park in Hangzhou, where he unveiled a collaborative sneaker with Japanese fashion label N. HOOLYWOOD. The “CLUB C 85 VINTAGE N.H” sneaker blends classic design with contemporary aesthetics, reflecting Rose’s influence in both sports and fashion.
His escapades didn’t end just there. Rose participated in the Xingjiezhan Star Season event in Guangzhou. Donning the jersey of the Jimeng 116 Basketball Team, he faced off against the Guangzhou Loong Lions in a thrilling 5v5 match. The event was a testament to Rose’s commitment to engaging with global basketball communities and celebrating the sport’s universal
The already overflowing love flowed all around, not just in China but all over the world. He is undoubtedly the most beloved foreign player in the country and is beloved by hardcore fans. But Yao is “the President” and is etched into China’s sports history.
The post “Pooh X The President”: Derrick Rose Reunites With Former Rival After Dominating 11,127 km Away From Home appeared first on EssentiallySports.
