LAS VEGAS (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Don't be surprised if Derrick Rose is in the USA squad when they arrive in Bilbao, Spain, for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The Chicago Bulls star, having had his past couple of NBA seasons derailed by knee injuries, made a very good impression on the opening day of the USA training camp in Las Vegas on Monday.

"I was ecstatic about watching him," USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said of the player who helped the Americans capture the world title in 2010.

"He's better than four years ago. Four years ago, he was 21, and he was just on the verge of becoming who he was going to be.

"But he had a great practice today (Monday). You don't practice like this (every day).

"He hasn't been in practices like this. Now (we'll) watch what he does for the next few days."

USA Basketball president and national team managing director Jerry Colangelo also saw an excellent Rose.

"When you have a former MVP in the league like Derrick Rose who has been out for so long and all the questions surrounding him… where would he be?" Colangelo said.

"It almost appeared that he hasn't missed much in the way of a beat. He played with enthusiasm, some reckless abandon, he went to the basket and he played with a smile.

"He was just happy to be on the court and we are happy to see him on the court."

Rose is clearly thrilled to be with the USA squad.

"I'm just happy to be here," he said.

"I missed the game a lot.

"My appreciation and feeling for the game is bigger.

"Every time I step on the floor is going to be a show.

"I'm happy that Coach K invited me to camp. I'm just trying to shake off the rust."

How important was it for Rose to be in Las Vegas?

"I have goals and being on this team is one of them," he said.

"These guys push me to a whole other level.

"It's an honor to be here and to play with these guys."

FIBA