Memphis freshman still expected to play in final

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Memphis freshman sensation Derrick Rose had a stomach ailment that forced him to miss media sessions Sunday, but will play in the national championship game against Kansas on Monday night.

Rose received treatment from trainers instead of talking to reporters. Shortly after, the school released a statement settling any doubt about his status.

Teammates weren't too worried.

"He eats Gummy Bears and Starburst for breakfast, and Twizzlers and Honey Buns for dinner. That's why his stomach hurts," fellow guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said. "We tell Derrick the whole year, 'Stop eating so many Gummy Bears and Sour Straws.' But he can't. ... Nobody eats Gummy Bears more than him."

Sunday afternoon, Rose walked into a scheduled group interview with all the starters and coach John Calipari, then went over to Calipari and whispered something to him. They went into the hall together, then Calipari returned alone.

"He said his stomach was bothering him," Calipari said. "I told him to go back and see the trainer."

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.