Coach Krzyzewski: Rose 'ready to be Derrick ... I think the lid came off'

On Tuesday, Derrick Rose looked better than he has in any game since perhaps 2012.

With two major knee injuries since then, Rose's appearances - 10 regular season games during 2013-14 and a handful of group stage games at the FIBA World Cup - haven't reflected what fans have come to expect from the three-time All-Star.

At least not until Tuesday, when Rose played 18 fantastic minutes as the U.S. beat Slovenia to qualify for the tournament's semifinals. His speed and vision had shown signs of coming back, but Tuesday saw Rose's shots fall, his takes to the rim end in baskets, and the general aura of superstardom return.

"He's ready to be Derrick," USA Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski said Wednesday.

Coach K elaborated:

It's kind of a stark contrast really

We believe in Derrick. And I think the lid came off or the jar was open or whatever you want to say. He had his look. You could see in his face he was different. And I'm glad. I think this starts the journey back to being who he is. And I think it'll happen.

Rose and the U.S. coaching staff have been adamant during the tournament than any performance issues were due to rust, not lingering issues with Rose's knee. Tuesday certainly backed that up, and it's entirely understandable that he needed some live action to get back up to speed.

Look for Rose to be aggressive again on Thursday when the U.S. take on Lithuania for a chance to play in Sunday's final.