Derrick Rose on return from knee injury: 'My game is totally different'

On Saturday night, the basketball world will get its first look at Derrick Rose in something close to real game action since last November, when the Chicago Bulls point guard tore his meniscus and saw his comeback season cut short.

All reports from USA Basketball camp have been glowingly positive about Rose's rehabilitation progress and just how damn good he looks running the offense ahead of this month's FIBA World Cup in Barcelona. When the U.S. tips off against Brazil in exhibition play Saturday, the Rose we see may not be the one we remember.

Here's the 25-year-old Rose hinting at changes to his game:

My game is totally different. When I came back last time, I was just trying to get in a groove. I think I felt a nice little groove. My confidence is high right now, and I think even playing in the game [Saturday] you'll be able to see by the way that I attack the players defensively. And by the way I play offensively, just not rushing anything and just taking my time on pick and rolls and just letting the play develop.

Bulls' head coach and USA Basketball assistant Tom Thibodeau suggested Rose's "approach is a lot better," saying Rose is far less anxious this time around and is less likely to force things.

There's also the matter of leadership, something Rose is hoping to improve on and can surely lend more perspective to now, given what he's gone through over the past three season.

"It's a huge journey for me," Rose said of growing as a leader. "I think it's going to help me with the Bulls next season, and it's going to help me have a better relationship with my teammates."

The Bulls are generally considered to be one of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference entering the season, and a Rose anywhere close to his near-MVP, pre-injury level could make for an interesting playoff landscape. First, though, Rose has to get through some game action - Saturday's exhibition may just be a tune-up, but it's one step closer, once again.