Rose learned of ulcers, then all-star pick

CHICAGO, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose said he learned he had two stomach ulcers 5 hours before he was revealed to be an Eastern Conference all-star starter.

Rose said he learned of the ulcers about 1 p.m. Thursday and at 6 p.m. it was announced he would be the Bulls' first NBA All-Star Game starter since Michael Jordan in 1998, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

"I'm feeling loved right now and I appreciate all the support," Rose said after the all-star announcement. "I want to thank all the fans that voted, especially the people from my hometown of Chicago."

"I also want to give thanks to the Bulls' organization that did a great job promoting me. And most of all, I want to thank my teammates and coaches for putting me in this position."