Rose got along well with his teammates and coach, who all spoke fluent English. Among his teammates was former Illinois State player John Wilkins, who has European citizenship.
“I learned how to greet people and how to say please and thank you (in German),” said Rose. “My teammates would teach me phrases here and there, but I’m not nearly fluent. I learned enough to get by.”
Rose, who ranks third in IWU history in free throw percentage (.846) and fifth in 3-pointers (237), had sterling shooting percentages of 56 overall and 43 from beyond the arc.
“I started off really hot. Then it was the law of averages,” he said. “I was definitely comfortable. There were a few different rules, but basketball is basketball.”
Rose would love to return to Germany next season.
“I want to play at the highest level so I hope I have the opportunity to move up to Pro A next year,” he said. “But things are pretty crazy. I’m sure it (the coronavirus pandemic) will impact teams financially.
“I’m not entirely sure what the offseason is going to look like as far as the player market. I’m still training like I’m going back. We’ll see what opportunities come and go from there.”
