Derrick Rose calls 2011 Manila All-Star Game as the best he’s ever played in

Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose has played in multiple All-Star Games during his career, but a 2011 exhibition game against PBA stars is what he considers the best he’s ever played.

Rose returned to the country for the third time on Thursday, Sept. 18, for a meet-and-greet, and shared his fond memories of his first visit, when he played alongside Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and other NBA stars against PBA stars like James Yap, Mark Caguioa, and LA Tenorio, among others.

“That was probably the best All-Star Game I’ve played in,” Rose said.

Rose continued that Filipino icon and Boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao’s presence in the game added excitement to the then-Chicago Bulls star.

“Wanting to be in that all-star game and the fans being a part of it and Pacquiao coming, it just added on to the game and added on to the story. And at that time, it was during the lockout,” he said.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose thanked his Filipino fans for all the love he’s been receiving in his return to the Philippines.

The former NBA MVP last visited the country in 2013. | via @PaigeJavier pic.twitter.com/RxvfsLk94f

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 18, 2025

The All-Star Game, dubbed “The Last Home Stand”, was contested amidst the NBA’s lockout, which lasted for five months and shortened the season to only 66 regular-season games

“So at that time, we were creating a concept or a paradigm that could have lasted if the lockout would have continued. So it was kind of cool being a part of it,” said Rose.

Rose returned to the country for his second visit in 2013 for a promotional tour, before his most recent one at One Ayala in Makati on Thursday.

Rose played for 15 years in the NBA, most notably for the Chicago Bulls, who recently announced that they will retire his jersey next year.

The three-time All-Star averaged 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in his stellar career.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.