Henricksen: Dwayne Rose commits to Toledo

Toledo has had its share of Illinois products who have starred for the Rockets in recent years. Now it hopes Dwayne Rose of Crete-Monee will be the next one.

Rose, a big-bodied, highly-athletic 6-3 guard, committed to Toledo Tuesday night. He’s among the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 25 prospects in the senior class.

“I really feel like they have a good thing going there,” says Rose of the Toledo basketball program. “I liked the coaching staff, and it really feels like a family there. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Rose, who attacks the basket with his strength and athleticism, blossomed as a sophomore and put together a solid junior year. He commits to a program that’s thrived with Illinois products. Currently there are four Illinois products on the roster: Geneva’s Nate Navigato, Hillcrest’s Taylor Adway and Simeon’s Steve Taylor and James Gordon.

Plus, Warren’s Nathan Boothe was a four-year star at Toledo, wrapping up his career this past season after finishing among the top 10 scorers and rebounders in school history.

And Julius Brown, a 2011 Hillcrest grad, was a four-year starter at Toledo and a two-time All-MAC selection.

“I’ve seen a lot of success with their guard play in recent years, so that did grab my attention,” says Rose, the nephew of former Bulls guard and current New York Knick Derrick Rose.