The Chicago Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft last night, choosing the University of Memphis guard over Kansas State University forward Michael Beasley.
Rose, a Chicago native, led the Tigers to the US college championship game in his lone college season. The Bulls opted for the point guard's playmaking ability over the scoring and rebounding of Beasley, who ranked in the top three in American college basketball in both categories in his first year.
The 6-foot-3 (1.83-meter) Rose is the Bulls' first No. 1 overall selection since they grabbed Elton Brand in 1999.
He put on a red Bulls cap, hugged some supporters, including Memphis coach John Calipari, and shook hands with Beasley, seated at a nearby table, before walking onto the stage to meet NBA commissioner David Stern.
Rose should be an upgrade over Kirk Hinrich, who now could be traded, and gives the Bulls another option if they don't re-sign guard Ben Gordon.
"It feels great to go in and compete," Rose said. "I'm just blessed to be in that position right now, because a lot of people aren't. And just knowing that we are a few pieces away from really contending as a team, it just makes me happy."
Miami settled for Beasley at No. 2, a pick the Heat considered trading. Beasley averaged 26.2 points, and 12.4 rebounds per game in college.
The Minnesota Timberwolves also took a player after he played only one year of college ball, selecting University of Southern California guard O.J. Mayo at No. 3.
"We were talking about it last year," Beasley said. "We made a pact that we would be here. To see it happen was kind of crazy."
UCLA guard Russell Westbrook went fourth to the Seattle SuperSonics -- with new teammate and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant standing and applauding the pick from the back.