CHICAGO (NBA/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - After being sidelined for the better part of two years because of knee injuries, Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose started to see the light at the end of the tunnel this past summer.

Along with Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) and Rudy Gay (Sacramento Kings), Rose became a world champion for the second time as the United States retained their crown at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski was counting on the three veterans to help lead a relatively young roster in achieving something the USA had never done before: win back-to-back world titles.

The team went on an unstoppable run and deservedly stood on the top step of the podium after beating Serbia 129-92 in the Final.

Despite struggling with his shooting percentages throughout the Championship, Rose was satisfied with what he accomplished in Spain.

I worked very hard and I felt good about helping the team win the title. - Rose

"I was not feeling any pressure. I was just happy to be on the court, play with my teammates and get used progressively to the pace of the game again," Rose told FIBA.com.

"This tournament was not about me. It was about the team. Knowing where I was coming from, I felt great knowing that I gave my best to help my teammates."

For some players, competing at the highest level after suffering a serious injury helps them regain confidence. 

But the 2011 NBA MVP says that wasn't necessary for him.

"I didn't need to compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup to be confident about myself and my game," he explained. 

"Confidence-wise, I have always been sky-high even when I was sidelined. I have always been very strong mentally."

After helping the USA win the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2010 - their first world title since 1994 - Rose was only too happy to add another gold medal to his cabinet.

I am only 26 years old and to have already won two world titles makes me very proud - Rose

"Knowing that you are part of the team that is considered the best of the world is an amazing feeling," he said. 

"We played at an incredible level during the tournament and we deserved to win the gold medal.

"I also really enjoyed being overseas and competing against players from different countries. It was also nice to receive support from the fans and share that experience with my teammates."

Asked where playing in international competitions ranks for him, Rose stresses the pride he takes in playing for his country.

"I really enjoy playing for the national team. I have had some incredible accomplishments by winning two world titles already and also by spending some great moments with my teammates. I am looking forward to winning more titles," he said.

Now back in action for the Bulls, he is averaging 15.6 points and 5.2 assists in 27 minutes per game. While he missed eight games because of minor injuries, he believes he's on the right track.

"I feel good. I have been out for a long time and I missed playing and spending time on the court. I am working hard in order to get back at my highest level. I am being positive and I have the support of my teammates," he said.

"I am not worried about people saying things about my game or negative things about me. I try to get away from that. I just want to do my best to help the team and be the best player I can."

Playing alongside Spanish superstar Pau Gasol and France's Joakim Noah, Rose is the leader of one of the most complete teams in the world's biggest league and a strong contender to win the NBA title.

"We have been playing very well for most of the games since the start of the season. The roster is very talented and having recruited a player as good as Pau Gasol is a great addition for us," Rose said of the Bulls, who have a 12-8 record so far. 

"Regarding the title, I know that we are going to have an opportunity sooner or later. We need to be patient and improve week after week. We all want to win a championship."

FIBA