Derrick Rose focuses on knee rehab

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NEW YORK, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose is maintaining his focus while continuing his long recovery from knee surgery, Coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters.

Rose took part in the Bulls shoot-around in New York Friday and then retreated back to what Thibodeau characterized as a patient rehab program that will keep him out of game action until late February or early March.

Plans call for Rose to out of action until he his fit enough to take part in full practices with contact, the Chicago Tribune said.

"He's still locked into doing some rehab stuff," Thibodeau said. "If he can get that extra work in (during games), I'd rather have him doing that."

Thibodeau denied his star was chaffing at the long journey and called him a "no maintenance" team player.

"He is mentally strong and has a great will," Thibodeau said. "He understands what he has to go through."