The U.S. Men's National Basketball Team cruised to victory in their exhibition game against the Dominican Republic, but the underlying story for the 2014 FIBA World Cup is the return of Derrick Rose.

According to the Associated Press, Rose knew the Madison Square Garden crowd wanted to see him play and they will, Friday night against Puerto Rico and probably in a limited role. Rose did not play against the D.R., but he is feeling fine, he practiced Thursday and will take another step in a long recovery.

"Just trying to protect myself, just knowing that this is a long, long schedule and this is the most basketball I'll be playing in two years," Rose told the AP. "I want to be out there, but at the same time, my health is the No. 1 issue right now."

The former MVP was set to play against the D.R., but he was a late scratch due to insufficient rest, ESPN reported. The Americans did fine without him and blew the D.R. away 105-62 and the rest of Team USA's backcourt was terrific.

The team's core of guards, which includes Rose, James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry, is so good in fact that there may not be room for Damian Lillard.

"He's a good player, no doubt," USA assistant coach Tom Thibodeau said in a press release of the young sharpshooter. "But we're in the situation right now where we have 16 really good players. Damian's a young guy getting better and better and has a great skill set. I thought his defense was very good last night and we all know he can score. He seemed real comfortable out there."

With Anthony Davis anchoring the team's frontcourt, the Americans are going to be a force in the FIBA World Cup, despite notable absences from superstars like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin and Kevin Love.

With the start of the international tournament set for Aug. 30 in Spain, Team USA's next exhibition match is Friday against Puerto Rico in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

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