Drexel University Athletics
Malik Rose to Receive Honorary Degree from Drexel on Saturday
6/10/2009 12:52:18 PM | Men's Basketball
Philadelphia, Pa.—Former Drexel basketball standout Malik Rose will receive an honorary doctorate at Drexel's 122nd commencement on Saturday, June 13. Rose, a 13-year veteran in the National Basketball Association, will receive his degree and speak at the 4 p.m. ceremony, which honors graduates of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Goodwin College of Professional Studies and School of Public Health. Rose graduated from Drexel in 1996 with a degree in education.
Rose, who played last season with the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, led Drexel to three North Atlantic Conference championships and three NCAA tournament appearances during his undergraduate career at Drexel. Rose and his Drexel teammates upset the University of Memphis in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, giving the Dragons their only win in NCAA Tournament play. Rose had 21 points and 15 rebounds against the Tigers.
Rose ranks third on the career scoring list at Drexel with 2,024 points. The Philadelphia native, who attended Overbrook High School, made his mark on the glass. He is Drexel's all-time leading rebounder and ranks third on the NCAA's modern rebounding list behind only Tim Duncan and Derrick Coleman. Rose graduated with 1,514 rebounds and led the team in rebounding in each of his four seasons. As a senior, Rose averaged 20.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and was named a UPI Third Team All-American. His number was retired and hangs in the rafters of the Daskalakis Athletic Center, where he will receive his honorary degree on Saturday. He earned an undergraduate degree in education.
After graduation, Rose was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 1996 NBA draft. He played one season with the Hornets before being traded to San Antonio. Rose teamed with David Robinson and Tim Duncan to lead the Spurs to their first NBA Championship in 1999, when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. The trio also led the Spurs to another title in 2003, when San Antonio defeated New Jersey in six games. Rose was elected by his peers to serve as the Vice President of the National Basketball Players Association in 2006.
The ceremonies will be webcast live at www.drexel.edu.
