CHICAGO (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau is hoping Derrick Rose recovers from his season-ending knee injury in time to play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Rose said in late January in a USA Basketball statement that he was looking forward "to getting back on the court this summer and having the chance to represent our country."

An assistant on the USA coaching staff, Thibodeau has told the Chicago Tribune: "Oh absolutely, if he's healthy and he's cleared.

"I thought it was a great experience for him before. I know he would like to do it. I know how USA Basketball feels about him."

A playmaker on the 2010 FIBA World Championship winning side, Rose has had two serious knee injuries since being named the MVP of the 2010-11 NBA season.

USA Basketball included Rose in their 28-man pool for 2014-16 in late January.

United States coach Mike Krzyzewski last week expressed his desire to see Rose in the national team.

"Well, I'm hoping 100 percent," Krzyzewski said.

"We're all hoping that he'll be part of the group that comes in there. And then just because we haven't seen him play to see how he's doing.

"We'd never try to put him in harm's way for his career. But if he's ready, we'd welcome Derrick. Derrick's one of the great guys, in addition to being an outstanding player.

"He's a great team guy. And that's why we want him part of USA Basketball."

Team USA are going to compete in Group C against Ukraine, Turkey, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic and Finland.

FIBA