USA - Big challenges for Rose

CHICAGO (NBA/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Derrick Rose was an integral part of the United States team that took Turkey by storm and captured gold at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

He followed up the impressive performance with a fabulous season for the Chicago Bulls, leading them into the playoffs and garnering the honor as the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2010-11 season.

The next year with Chicago wasn't as kind, though, as Rose tore the ACL in his left knee in a first round playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers, an injury that ruled the point guard out of the London Olympics and caused him to miss all of the 2012-13 campaign with the Bulls.

Will the superstar, who is just 25, be in the American squad that competes at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain?

"I have a huge season, perhaps the most important in my life, waiting for me next year (2013-14) and it's really early to say if I will be at the World Cup," Rose said.

"I want to play for the USA Team, no doubt. But first of all, I have to focus on my health and come back to play at the level everybody knows me (for)."

Even if Rose does avoid setbacks and have a strong year with Chicago, there is no guarantee he would be in the squad that is sure to be loaded with quality players in the backcourt.

"It's not as easy as it seems to play again for the USA Team," Rose said.

"The competition is ferocious and I will have to obtain the approval of the Chicago Bulls.

"I'm not refusing the option to go the World Cup, but right now my thoughts are focusing on recovering my best level."

The United States booked their place at the World Cup by winning the Gold Medal Game at the Olympics in London.

Spain are hosting the event and have a place assured.

"I love to visit Spain," Rose said. "I have done so twice in three years, but I have been off the court for 15 months. It's really hurried to say: 'Yes, I will be there'.

"Being healthy is the most important thing for me. It's a great challenge to reclaim the tittle we won in Turkey, but everybody must understand my thoughts."

The United States, meanwhile, are not standing pat this summer.

USA Basketball is holding a mini-camp this week in Las Vegas.

Twenty-six of the NBA's top rising stars and two of the nation’s best collegiate prospects arrived in Las Vegas on Sunday night.

Each player will be looking to enhance his chances of making next year's World Cup roster.

Of the NBA players taking part in this week's camp, DeMarcus Cousins, DeMar DeRozan, Derrick Favors, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Jrue Holiday, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson were all members of the 2012 USA Basketball Select Team that trained against the U.S. Olympic Team last July.

FIBA