A trip down memory lane for longtime Derrick Rose fans continued in style on Monday after news surfaced of the new Grizzlies guard’s plan to honor his return to Memphis with a new jersey number.
Rose’s decision to join the Grizzlies in free agency evoked a crowd-pleasing, sense of nostalgia with the 2011 NBA MVP back in the city where he once shined as a one-and-done star for the Memphis Tigers. As Rose prepares for his 17th NBA season, the 34-year-old will do so with his alma mater in mind after deciding to switch to his old collegiate number: No. 23.
Rose’s wife, Alaina, shared photos of his welcome to the Grizzlies on Monday with shots of the three-time All-Star in his new threads. In addition to being a nostalgic nod to his old college stomping grounds, Rose’s No. 23 jersey will mark the first time he’s worn the number since 2008, the year he became the No. 1 pick after leading Memphis to the national championship game.
